Valve replacement is appropriate for valves that have become too tight with calcium deposits or no longer close properly. These problems may be the result of an infection or a valve that was abnormal at birth and has degenerated over time. There are two general types of replacement valves available--mechanical and bioprosthetic.
Mechanical Valves
Mechanical valves allow blood to travel in one direction and prevent it from going backwards. Patients with mechanical valves require blood thinners for the rest of their lives in order to avoid the formation of blood clots on the valves.
Bioprosthetic Valves
Bioprosthetic valves are made from animal tissue. The most common valves are made from the aortic valves of pigs or a cow's pericardium (lining around the heart). Patients with tissue valves usually have a lowered risk of blood clot formation and may not need blood thinners.
Sometimes, it is possible to repair the defective valve rather than replace it. However, this is a decision that only your surgeon can make.
Mitral Valve Prolapse Repair
The Presbyterian Cardiovascular Institute offers minimally invasive surgery and a revolutionary technique called robotic-assisted surgery to repair mitral valve defects. Learn More
