Aortic regurgitation surgery valve selection
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Prior to surgery, the surgeon and patient must make a choice as to whether a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve should be inserted.
Advanatges of A Mechanical Valve
Mechanical heart valves do not fail often. They last from 12 to 20 years. However, blood clots develop on them. If a blood clot forms, the patient may have a stroke. Anticoagulation with warfarin will be required which can be associated with bleeding.
Advantages of A Bioprosthetic Valve
Biological valves do not require anticoagulation, but they tend to fail over time [1][2]. Patients with a biological valve may need to have the valve replaced in 10 to 15 years.
- ↑ Hammermeister KE, Sethi GK, Henderson WG, Oprian C, Kim T, Rahimtoola S (1993). "A comparison of outcomes in men 11 years after heart-valve replacement with a mechanical valve or bioprosthesis. Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study on Valvular Heart Disease". N Engl J Med. 328 (18): 1289–96. doi:10.1056/NEJM199305063281801. PMID 8469251.
- ↑ Hammermeister K, Sethi GK, Henderson WG, Grover FL, Oprian C, Rahimtoola SH (2000). "Outcomes 15 years after valve replacement with a mechanical versus a bioprosthetic valve: final report of the Veterans Affairs randomized trial". J Am Coll Cardiol. 36 (4): 1152–8. PMID 11028464.