Angiology
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This clinical study was undertaken to verify the encouraging results of experimental studies regarding a new pericardial bioprosthesis. From May 1989 to November 1993, 204 patients underwent an aortic valve replacement with the Pericarbon (Sorin Biomedica Cardio S.p. A., Saluggia, Italy) prosthesis. ⋯ The clinical data showed that the Pericarbon prosthesis has valve-related morbidity. The echocardiographic results suggest that the prosthesis can undergo a pathologic process during the first 5 years after implantation. This makes it necessary to continue the follow-up and include the larger number of patients in the echocardiographic investigation.