I am a 55-year-old female going in for mitral valve replacement surgery, and I need to decide on which valve to get: bovine or mechanical. If you have any experiences or know anyone who's had either of these types of valves placed in their bodies, please elaborate on the experience. I want to know the pros and cons of each.Thank you.
Mechanical valves require lifelong anti coagulation. This can cause problems of compliance (Forgetting to take the medicine), longer time to heal for cuts, and potential internal bleeding problems especially for women. They have a very long life. Current bio prosthetic valves have improved considerably in durability. They do not require continuous anti coagulation. They do tend to calcify. This may not be a problem 55 years and above. These valves also have better blood flow characteristics. These are the general considerations. Individual bio chemistries vary widely. Your surgeon and cardiologist are the best fit to suggest what is best for you.
Hope this helps matador 89
My aortic valve (amongst other things) were replaced/repaired during an emergency aortic dissection surgery. My surgeon chose the mechanical valve for me. I am hopeful that it will last a long time (I am only 26) so that I can minimize the need to undergo replacement surgeries. Yearly, I see my cardiologist -- they do a CT scan and check to ensure the valve is functioning properly. The valve does have a loud click to it -- it's something that you notice a lot when you first get it, but after a little while you hardly notice it.
I had open heart surgery, repairs to my mitrial and tricuspid valves. On the mitrial valve, an Edwards Lifescience ring was placed to tighten valve and the tricuspid was just tightened. That was five yrs ago. Have more energy and feeling better, still. My surgeon did mention placing a porcine valve but once they got inside my heart, the DRs. choose the lifescience ring. I do take an anticoagulant but for other reasons for over 8 yrs now.
