How long does an artificial heart valve last?

Written by Dr. Adib Nanaa | 13-Jul-2019 10:24:22

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.

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