Prosthetic Heart Valves Flashcards
Difference between bio prosthetic + mechanical valves
bio prosthetic;
- pig |’porcine valve’
- lifespan of 10 years
- no anticoagulation needed
.
mechanical
- metal
- life span >20 years
- lifelong warfarin needed due to clotting risk
- regular INR tests needed
What is the target INR for someone who is on warfarin due to mechanical heart valve?
2.5-3.5
Types of mechanical valves
- starr Edward’s valve: ball in a cage
- tilting disc valve: single disc that tilts
- st Jude’s valve/bileaflet: two discs
What type of mechanical valve has the least risk of clotting?
St Jude’s valve
Complications for mechanical heart valves
- thrombus formation > embolus risk
- infective endocarditis
- haemolysis > anaemia
What can be heard when auscultating the heart in someone with a mechanical heart valve?
click sound
- click in 1st heart sound if mitral
- click in 2nd heart sound if aortic
What is TAVI used to treat?
Severe aortic stenosis
In patient who are high risk for open operation
Outline a TAVI procedure
Trans catheter Aortic Valve Implantation
- under local/general anaesthetic
- catheter is inserted into femoral artery
- wire fed through to heart under X ray guidance
- aortic valve is stretched using a ballon
- bioprosthetic valve inserted
What does a midline sternotomy scar indicate?
Mitral or aortic valve replacement
Coronary artery bypass graft
How does a Starr Edward’s valve work?
- ball in cage
- ball moves away from opening to let blood through
- blood moves back against opening to prevent blood from regurgitating through valve
Why are Starr Edward’s valves not used anymore?
High risk of clotting + thrombus forming
How does a St Jude valve work?
- consists of two tilting metal discs (bileaflet)
- works like a classic heart valve
