what are the best aorta heart valves. mech. or animal.
It really depends on the age of the recipient. Mechanical valves last much longer but require blood thinner treatment for life to prevent strokes which has risks and is a pain and most would like to not take blood thinngers. Biological made from pig and cows and cadavers mean people can go back to their lives with no blood thinners. But, they wear out and last depeding around 10-15 years. Most do not want another open heart surgery. It is a conversation between the surgeon, cardiologist, patient and family. A young person, the no-brainer is mechanical if they can maintain blood thinner compliance. An older person would want a tissue valve with less chance of outlving it and requiring another openheart surgery. And perhaps at an age where the surgery wouldnt be done. So the best choice is based on age and what the patient wants. Arnold Schwarnegger chose a tissue valve even though it will wear out before he dies statistically and require a replacement but he didnt want to be on blood thinners. Putting a tissue valve in a 20 year old, then replacing it at 35 with another, then again at 50 and then at 65. Doesnt make sense and the scar tissue from it all. If that doesnt make sense A mechanical valve in an 80 year old and then the risk of a blood thinner and bleeding issues doesnt make sense either. Hope that makes sense
Depending on the valve, the original valve may be able to be repaired. This procedure has only been widely used 8-10 years probably. Originally it was believed that these like animal (pig or cow) would probably only last around 10 years but it is constantly being adapted so longer may be possible. Animal valves do not require blood thinners, although many people I know have ended up on thinners because of other problems. The other advantage is that they are quiet. Mechanical valves, often called metal aren't always truly metal. Older valves were thus a scan using an MRI was not possible. Mine was put in during 1995 and is called metal but does not cause any problem with an MRI and I know others from that time frame also with no problem. I expect it to last my whole lifetime and I never needed any anti-reject meds and few people I know have. I do tick like an old watch especially when I get winded or tired, but over the 13 years I've had it only one person outside of medical professionals examining me have ever noticed. It doesn't keep me awake but I do know some people who notice theirs, but the newer the quieter. I do have to take blood thinners, but for me and most of those I know don't have major problems maintaining a therapeutic level. You have to have a blood test routinely to know but they now have a finger prick machine so it is quick and easy. I only know of one person whose body rejected valves and had to have it removed and animal placed in. From those I know usually children they will do tissue just because a child won't be as careful and watchful of bleeding. Otherwise it is choice based on years wanted from the valve and lifestyle if meds fit and eating habits.
The ones you were born with.
