Post MitrAl VAlve

  DeAr Sirs,
  How long on AverAge does A porcine vAlve function? WhAt is the next option After the first mitrAl vAlve replAcement?  My fiAnce hAd A porcine vAlve plAced in his heArt eight yeArs Ago; Am wondering About whAt to expect in the future.
  Best RegArds,
  KAthArine Murphy

Dear Katherine,
Porcine valves usually last about 10 to 15 years. If they wear down, it is possible to have a repeat valve replacement. We do that sort of surgery routinely at the Cleveland Clinic, though it is slightly higher risk the second time around.
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.