From January 1984 to June 1990, 188 patients have undergone cardiac valve replacement [114 MVR, 27 AVR, 47 Multiple valve replacement] with the St. Jude Medical prosthesis. The early mortality rate was 6.9%. The most common cause of early death was low output syndrome. There were no cases of valve-related early death. The risk factors for early death were advanced preoperative NYHA functional class [> IV], and prolonged ECC and ACC time. The 175 early survivors were followed-up for a total 372.7 patient-year over a period of 2 to 74 months [Mean $pm$SD: 25.6$pm$18.6 months]. During follow up, 12 patient died and late mortality rate was 6.9%. There were three valve-related late deaths: two were due to valve thrombosis and one was due to hemorrhage. Most late deaths [58%, 7/12] were from cardiac non-valvular causes. Valve-related complications occurred at a linearlized rate of 3.5% /pt-yr. Embolism occurred at a rate of 0.8% /pt-yr. There were three cases of valve thrombosis [0.8% /pt-yr: two fatal]. Hemorrhage due to anticoagulant occurred in 5 patients and a rate of 1.3% pt-yr [one fatal]. Five-year actuarial survival rate was 86.5 $pm$5.1% and 97% of patient were in NYHA functional class I or II at three months postoperatively.