ABSTRACT
Valve repair has many advantages over valve replacement, including avoidance of long-term anticoagulation if there are no other indications for anticoagulation, larger effective valve area, better preservation of left ventricular function and a lower risk of endocarditis. However, close follow-up of these patients is important in order to detect recurrence of regurgitation or stenosis, to detect the onset of atrial fibrillation and to monitor left ventricular function.
