Aortic Valve Replacement: Types of Valves
There are multiple types of replacement valves that may be used during aortic valve replacement surgery. These include homograft aortic valves (from a human donor), stentless aortic valves, and mechanical valves. Our surgeons also perform the Ross Procedure for aortic valve replacement, where the patient’s own pulmonic valve is moved to the aortic valve position, and a homograft valve is placed in the pulmonic valve position. Each valve type as certain advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to use a certain type of valve is made after a discussion with your surgeon and close evaluation of your records by a heart surgeon.
Mechanical Valves for Aortic Valve Replacement
Mechanical heart valves used in aortic valve replacement are made up of durable components that do not react with the body's immune system. Mechanical valves are designed to last for a long period of time, and rarely require re-operation. The major drawback to mechanical heart valves is that blood clots can form on mechanical heart valves. This means that patients must remain on blood thinners (known as Coumadin or Warfarin) for the rest of their lives after receiving a mechanical heart valve replacement. Blood thinners are effective in preventing clots from forming on mechanical heart valves, but they have risks. Blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding, which can lead to bleeding in the brain (stroke) and other problems.Contact Us for a Consultation
If you have additional questions regarding types of valves used in aortic valve replacement, please contact us to set up a consultation with one of our surgeons by calling (888) 565-8224.
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