why is a biological valve replacement weak? in the way it does not last much longer that ten years?why do blood clots form with a mechanical valve replacement?what kind of bleeding problem can the anticoagulant medication cause?if you know the answer to any of these questions (doesnt hav to be all of them) plz answer!! thank you :p
A biological valve replacement is not weaker than a prosthetic valve, it is however known to not last as long. Tissue deteriorates over time and they have found no way around this, as of yet. Blood clots tend to form because, a foreign body has been placed in a circulatory system made of smooth tissue and liquid (blood). To put it simply, think about how soft and pliable arteries and veins are, kinda like your skin. They put metal into this and then pump blood which passes through it at a pretty high rate of pressure. The blood tends to kind of slurry.... making the platelets sticky which then results in them wanting to clump (clot). See? Bleeding? I have been on Coumadin for 31 years. I am 53. The same things that make anyone bleed will make a person on anti-coagulants bleed. Only that those on Coumadin/Warfarin will bleed more. You could bleed from shaving your legs or face, from hitting your thumb with a hammer, a knife in the kitchen, a broken arm or leg or blunt force trauma (a fall or punch). Some bleeding could be internal. A compliant patient that has their blood tested as directed is in good control and should not be afraid of the medication. It is, after all, saving their life. I chose a mechanical valve over tissue because I was young and didnot want to face a repeat surgery. It was a very wise decision. The valves these days are fabulous!!
Blood clots can form with ANY type of surgery or disease that interrupts the natural flow of blood. Anticoagulants do not cause a bleeding problem, they keep the blood from clotting if that is what you mean. People who take them have to have an INR checked (clotting time) to make sure that the blood is not too thin. It is a delicate balance. One must be careful on this medication when having any kind of surgery (usually have to stop the medication a week before and a stay off it a few days after according to their doctor's order) because it could cause them to hemorrhage.
why is a biological valve replacement weak? in the way it does not last much longer that ten years? --- Its not weak its just that it can fail like the original valve did. Most Doctors prefer to use a mechanical valve(such as titanium) because there is a lot less changes that it will fail and the surgery will have to be repeated. The St. Jude valve is one that is comonly used by doctors(thats the one I have in my heart) Mechanical valves make a ticking sound(kind of like a watch) as your heart pumps blood, this can accually be heard when your next to a person with one in a quiet place(I've freaked some pople out when they heard mine). why do blood clots form with a mechanical valve replacement? --- Blood can clot around anything that is foreign in the body, its part of the human body's natural defenses. what kind of bleeding problem can the anticoagulant medication cause? --- anticoagulants(or blood thinners) do not really cause bleeding problems as long as you have your INR monitored and controlled. those people on anticoagulants(such as Comadin) may bleed a little longer then someone not on them. a person on anticoagulants may bruise easier then someone not on them and the bruise may last a little longer. They bleed a little more but its usually not anything to worry about. A person on blood thiners may also feel colder more often due to the thin blood. Diet can also affect anticoagulents, foods such as leafy greens, alcohol, all affect these medications. Leafy Greens are high in vitaman K wich thinkens the blood. Alcohol thins your blood.
