Heart Valve Replacement

  Next month my Dad will be undergoing heart valve replacement surgery.
  I understand there are two types of valves that can be used(tissue and
  mechanical).  Can you tell me what the advantages/disadvantages of each
  type are?  

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

_  
Dear John,
Repair of the mitral valve vs. replacement with a bioprothesis or mechanical valve can only be determined in the operating room.  If the damage is not repairable then it is replaced.  The bioprothesis valve is from either a pig or cow and lasts about 10 years.  The advantage is that long-term anticoagulation is not required.  The disadvantage is that it will need replaced.  The mechanical valve (usually a St. Jude's) lasts for a lifetime but requires anticoagulation with coumadin.
Q:  Can my valve be repaired again? If so, is it advisable?
A: It may or may not be feasible.  Most likely it will need replaced.
Q:  If not, can you give advice on what type of replacement valve would be best?
A: Again this would depend upon the individual case, your preferences and the surgeon.
Q:  Do all replacement valves require blood thinners?
A: Only mechanical valves require blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
Q:  Does having surgery a second time increase the risk?
A: Any second surgery is more complex but the risks are still low.
Q:  Does something like this affect life expectancy?
A: No.
Q:  Is it unusual for a repaired valve to fail after a short time?
A: Repair is less predictable than replacement and early failure is a potential downside of repair.
Q: How long (approximately) is recovery time?
A: Usually 5 to 7 days in the hospital and 4 to 6 weeks at home.
Q:  Are there any dietary or other restrictions before/after the surgery we should know about? -
A: Limit salt intake to help cut down on fluid overload.  Otherwise no restrictions except what your doctor tells you.
Q: Statistically, how many patients diagnosed with mitral valve disorders are treated with repair versus replacement surgeries?
A:  About 85% of persons with Mitral Valve Prolapse (different condition than endocarditis) will get repair.  Persons with endocarditis will have a higher rate of replacement..
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.