What kinds of valves are used for aortic valve replacement?

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  1. Dr. Mehmet Oz
     
    Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:
    A damaged aortic valve can be replaced with either a tissue valve or a mechanical valve, depending on a number of factors. Watch this video to learn more about these valves.






    More Related Answers from Dr. Mehmet Oz
    A damaged aortic valve can be replaced with either a tissue valve or a mechanical valve, depending on a number of factors. Watch this video to learn more about these valves. More
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine
     

    There are two major types of aortic valve prostheses – mechanical and tissue.

    Mechanical replacement valves have lifelong durability, however a blood thinning drug must be taken for the rest of the patient’s life to prevent blood clots from forming on the hinges of the valve. Besides being somewhat of a nuisance, taking blood thinners also create a small risk of bleeding complications.

    Tissue or “bioprosthetic” valves are made of cow or pig tissue. Because they are made of natural materials, there isn’t a need to take blood thinners. However they are less durable, lasting about 10-15 years.

    Your doctor will help you make a decision on which kind of aortic valve replacement to pick based on your age, occupation, lifestyle, medical history, and preference.

    More Related Answers from Johns Hopkins Medicine
    There are two major types of aortic valve prostheses – mechanical and tissue. Mechanical replacement valves have lifelong durability, however a blood thinning drug must be taken for the rest of the patient’s life to prevent blood clots... More
  3. Dr. A Jamil Tajik
     
    The aortic valve can be replaced during surgery with a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve.

    Mechanical valves are made from different kinds of metals and don’t usually wear out. However, they do require that you take an anticoagulant medication (sometimes referred to as a “blood thinner”) for the rest of your life. Warfarin (Coumadin) doesn’t actually thin your blood but rather prevents clots from forming on the artificial surface of the valve.

    Bioprosthetic valves, or tissue valves, are made from cow (bovine) cardiac tissue or a pig (porcine) valve. They do not require long-term use of warfarin (Coumadin). Unfortunately, they do not last as long as the mechanical valves, so, depending on your age, another surgery may be required in the future.
    More Related Answers from Aurora Health Care
    The aortic valve can be replaced during surgery with a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve. Mechanical valves are made from different kinds of metals and don’t usually wear out. However, they do require that you take an anticoagulant... More