Improved clinical performance was expected from the introduction of the low-profile model of the Ionescu-Shiley pericardial valve. The long-term clinical results were assessed on the consecutive 47 patients who underwent MVR + AVR with this valve between 1984 and 1988. Three patients died within 30 days of surgery[operative mortality, 6.4%], and 44 early survivors were followed up for a total of 203.8 patient-years [Mean + SD, 4.63 + 1.47 years]. One died during the follow-up with a linearized late mortality of 0.491%/patient~year[pt-yr]. None experienced thromboembolism. Bleeding and endocardiris were seen in each single patient with the incidences of complication of 0.491%/pt-yr respectively. The linearized rate of primary tissue failure [PTF] was 0.491%/pt-yr. The actuarial survival and rate of freedom from PTF were 97.6 _+ 2.4% and 92.6 +7.1% at 7 years of follow-up.These results are favorably comparable with the ones seen in the patients of MVR + AVR with the standard profile lonescu-Shiley valve in all respects except the higher mean age of the low-profile group. Although the clinical performance was compatible with other major reports, the durability of the valve remains to be proved with the prolonged follow-up.