Heart Surgery

Question 1

What’s the most common type of mechanical valve used nowadays?

Answer 1

Bileaflet valve (over the old ball and cage valve)

Question 2

Anticoagulation and heart valves?

Answer 2

Warfarin INR
Mechanical - aortic - 3.0, mitral - 3.5

Bioprostetic valve - long term anticoagulation not usually needed. Warfarin for first 3 months. Aspirin low dose is given long term

Question 3

Which prosthetic valves last longer?

Answer 3

Mechanical - used in younger Patients

Biological - aortic > 65 years old and mitral >70