Valve Choose for replacement

[octduck]

What is the best option for Valve replacement?
1-Mechanical                Pros & Cons
2-Tisue or Pig Valve     Pros & Conc

[octduck]

Thank you for the information. I am truly amazed at the technology today. To die and live again is truly remarkable. Angels watch over all medical Doctors, surgeon, nurses thru out all there procedures "I'm sure of this"

[skydnsr]

What I have always read is that the longevity of a tissue valve is mostly dependent on your age at the time of implantation, somewhat due to luck (although the medical authorities don't call it that), and not at all due to lifestyle factors such as you mention.  If you've made your choice, then the valve will do what it does, and you'll know soon enough how long it will last.  Those lifestyle factors will help you in many ways, even if they don't prevent the valve from wearing out, so please do live a healthy lifestyle, and you won't be sorry.  Whatever your choice of valve was, it is better than your old valve, so be happy and don't look back.  Your life has been saved, and any future decisions can be made in the future.  Good luck.

[ed34]

well to be fair I did say "AVERAGE" 10-15 years.

[octduck]

I have heard that tissue valves can last longer then you have mentioned 10-15 years depending on your diet, exercise, prayer and normal lifes activities?

[ed34]

The only thing to consider in the options is the longevity you require. A tissue valve will not last anywhere as long as a mechanical valve, usually 10-15 years average. Mechanical ones last a lot longer. Pros and cons are just one area really, the mechanical ones require you to take anticoagulant medication for life. So I guess the question is, do you want repeat surgery at the age of 60-65 years of age.