Mechanical or Tissue Valve?
If you need to have a heart valve replacement, you have several choices to consider when discussing your heart valve options with your surgeon. The type of valve you choose can have an impact on both your short-term recovery and longer-term quality of life.
Your options include:
Mechanical Valve
Mechanical
or
Tissue?
Mechanical valves are made of strong durable materials. They are the most long-lasting type of replacement valve, and most of these manufactured valves will last a patient's lifetime.
Patients who receive a mechanical valve will be required to take a blood-thinning medication (warfarin) for the remainder of their lives. The blood thinner stops clots from forming, which is critical for a person with a mechanical valve because clots can lodge in the valve flaps or hinges and cause a malfunction. Clots can also break off and form into an embolism (traveling clot), which can move through the bloodstream and lodge into a vessel sometimes leading to problems like a heart attack or stroke.
The other question patients often have about a mechanical valve is, “Will I hear the valve tick?” Mechanical valve replacements are known to make a ticking sound while tissue valves are silent. It is a ticking sound as the valve opens and closes, and is best compared to the sound of a ticking of a watch.
Tissue Valve (sometimes called ‘bioprosthetic’ valve)
Tissue valves are created from animal donors’ valves or other animal tissue that is strong and flexible. Tissue valves can last ten to twenty years, do not usually require the long-term use of blood thinning medication, and the valve is silent.
For a young person with a tissue valve replacement, the need for additional surgery or another valve replacement later in life is highly likely.
Which Valve to Choose?
Your surgeon will be able to discuss all the benefits and risks specific to you and help you make the right choice to best suit your lifestyle.
All patients should consult their cardiothoracic surgeon for specific information about their medical condition and surgery.
For more information:
American Heart Association: Types of Replacement Heart Valve