ISSUE 1397
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Prosthetic heart valves have been used effectively in patients with mitral and aortic valvular heart disease for more than 50 years, but no replacement valve developed to date is suitable for all types of patients.
MECHANICAL VALVES — The mechanical valve used most frequently today is a bileaflet valve. Mechanical heart valves are extremely durable; long-term studies have shown that structural valve deterioration is rare. They are thrombogenic and require lifelong anticoagulation. Valves in the mitral position have a greater risk of thromboembolism than those in the aortic position.1 Mechanical valves are preferred for younger patients (<60 years old) who have no contraindication to anticoagulation.
BIOPROSTHETIC VALVES — Bioprosthetic heterograft valves are made from the heart valves of pigs or from the pericardium of cows. Percutaneous aortic placement
... more1. RO Bonow et al. 2008 focused updated incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force on practice guidelines (writing committee to revise the 1998 guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease): endorsed by the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Circulation 2008; 118:e253.
2. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2012; 54:30.
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