Auscultatory and phonocardiographic findings in autologous fascia lata valves.

Of a total of 30 autologous fascia lata aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve replacements in 25 patients, opening sounds were heard or recorded in association with 24 valves. Murmurs were heard during forward flow across 26 of the valves. In no patients did the sounds or murmurs develop or progress during the period offollow-up but were present immediately after operation. It is felt that these auscultatory findings are a result of the manner in which the valve is constructed and are associated with normalfunction of the valve.