This subject is extensive, and will be divided in three parts. The present paper is related to historic aspects, surgical indication, preoperative approaches and heart valves prostheses. The following two chapters will discuss surgical techniques, reoperations and special condicions like surgical treatment of endocarditis, and bovine pericardial valves.
heart valves; valvopathies; valvopathies; valvopathies; heart valves prostheses