mechanical vs tissue valves

[nohat]

Should i go with a mechaical valve or a tissue valve?  I am 38 yrs old. I had open heart Dec. 2008, and now one yr later I must go in again. I have a tissue valve now.

[nohat]

Thank u for the info. I had my surgery on March 15th. I am doing much better this time around. The surgeon had no other option but to put in a mechanical valve. One leaflet was completly not moving, the other two were imobile, and there was a blood clot on the origional replaced bovine valve.
Thank u for your help.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? When is your scheduled heart operation? The main advantage of mechanical valve is its excellent lifetime durability. However, the major drawback is the need for long-term anticoagulation with a blood thinner to prevent the formation of blood clots on the valve. These blood clots can break off and cause a variety of problems such as a stroke and malfunction of the heart valve. Bioprosthetic or tissue valves have low risk of clot formation but with limited life spans. Valve repair, rather than valve replacement, should be done whenever possible.  A cryopreserved human heart valve also does not require blood thinner and has a long life span. the decision is ultimately yours alone. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor for the valve suited for you. Take care and wishing you good health always.