In a heart valve replacement operation, the surgeon replaces your diseased heart valve with a biological heart valve of animal or an artificial valve (called mechanical). It works like a normal heart valve.
An artificial heart valve is a mechanical valve or tissue. Mechanical heart valves are made of titanium or carbon.
Heart valves or biological tissue from valves or animal tissue. They may be taken from the pig valves which are then “reworked” to fully match the characteristics of the human valve. It can also be reconstructed based valve tissue taken from pigs, cattle or horses.
The choice of a bioprosthetic or mechanical will be done in consultation with your surgeon or your cardiologist will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
After receiving your new heart valve, you will see an early improvement. Generally, your complete recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks.
How long will my heart valve will it last?
In some patients, mechanical valves can last up to 25 years. It is possible that your new artificial valve is implanted for the rest of your life. But sometimes we have to replace a valve in a few years or months for a number of reasons.
Mechanical valves are more resistant to the stresses imposed on them constantly: they must open and close each time your heart beats. The materials of mechanical valves are highly resistant to wear.
Tissue valves have the same longevity. In the long run, they can tear and leak. Tissue valves should generally be replaced after 10 to 15 years or more often in younger patients or in children because of their growth. However recent studies show the time required in biological valves beyond 20 years.
Tissue valves wear out slowly, which gives your doctor time to plan a new operation, if necessary.
The major difference between biological and mechanical valves outside their longevity is the fact that a mechanical valve requires blood thinners for life. These anticoagulants should be strict medical supervision and frequent.
Does my new valve needs special care?
Inform your dentist and other doctors that you have had surgery for valvular surgery. Ask if you should take antibiotics before surgery or dental work to prevent valve infection.
MRI after heart valve replacement is safe?
You should tell your doctor that you have undergone a valve replacement. He is the only one who can determine if there is danger, given your personal situation.
Doctors in France have developed a new artificial aortic valve that can be implanted without performing any surgical procedure, either in cardiac or in the skin.
