Which Valve Type Is Best for Aortic Valve Replacement?

For middle-aged patients, the decision isn't clear-cut.

Mechanical (MP) and bioprosthetic (BP) aortic valves are implanted commonly. Patients who receive durable MP valves require lifelong anticoagulation, whereas those who receive BP valves do not require long-term anticoagulation but face possible reoperation to replace deteriorated valves. Considering these trade-offs, valve choice is least clear for otherwise healthy middle-aged patients. In this Italian study, 310 patients (age range, 55–70) were randomized to receive MP or BP valves.

After mean follow-up of 106 months, survival was similar in the two groups, as were rates of thromboembolism, endocarditis, and other major prosthesis-related adverse events. However, the BP group exhibited a significantly higher rate of valve failure and need …

Reviewing Author

Kirsten E. Fleischmann, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology/American Heart Association

Kirsten E. Fleischmann, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology/American Heart Association

Which Valve Type Is Best for Aortic Valve Replacement?

Topics

Reviewing Author