Heart valve replacement
If you and your doctor decide to replace your valve rather than repair it, you will need to decide which type of valve to use in the procedure. The type of valve you and your doctor choose will affect your management of the new valve.
There are two valve types: mechanical or biological (bioprosthetic). A mechanical valve is generally made of metal and/or plastic, and biological valves are taken from specially grown pig hearts (porcine valves). They both have advantages and disadvantages, all of which you should discuss with your doctor.
Advantages and disadvantages of replacement valves Type of valve
Advantages
Disadvantages
Mechanical Does not wear out quickly Requires blood-thinning medicine for the rest of your life to prevent blood clots from forming around the valve
Biological Does not require blood-thinning medicine Wears out in 8 to 15 years
Mechanical valves will last longer than biological valves because they are made of durable materials such as metal and plastic. If you are worried about the number of valve surgeries you will need in your lifetime, you and your doctor may decide to use a mechanical valve. Mechanical valves are generally recommended if you are under 65 years of age.1
But after you have had a mechanical valve implanted, you must take blood-thinning medicine for the rest of your life to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your heart and causing a stroke. Blood thinners reduce the risk of clotting, but they increase the risk of bleeding too much in other situations, such as from a simple cut or other surgeries. In some cases, a mechanical valve may be preferred if there are other reasons for you to be taking anticoagulant medicine over the long term.
Biological valves have a life of about 8 years, which could mean several valve replacement surgeries over your lifetime. They are a viable alternative if you are not able to take blood-thinning medicines. But you do generally need to take blood-thinning medicine for the first three months. After that, a daily aspirin will probably be enough to keep your blood from clotting and causing a stroke.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: March 27, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
 | ||
| |