How long does an artificial heart valve last?

As you know there are two types of artificial valves:

• Mechanical valve: it is for life, at least it last for 25 years, it is usually inserted for people under 60 years of age.
• Tissue or bioprosthetic valve, either from:
  • pig tissue (porcine valve) or
  • cow tissue (bovine valve), Which last 10 years,
  • Newer biological porcine valve in Cleveland Clinic last 15 years.

When is bioprosthetic (tissue valve) indicated?

- Young women who plan to get pregnant, and

- Elderly people who have a life expectancy of less than 15 years,

For bioprosthetic valve, there is no need for an anticoagulant which is harmful in pregnant women and elderly patients.

Know more about Heart Diseases