The development of valvular heart surgery over the past 50 years (1947-1997): Personal recollections

The development of valvular heart surgery over the past 50 years has required the efforts and creative genius of many surgical pioneers. It has been filled with exhilarating short-term successes and some devastating failures. This article traces the 50 years of persistence and determination that have brought us to a time when the majority of patients with heart valve disease can be returned to a happy and fulfilling life by valvuloplasty or by valve replacement. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.