Prosthetic Heart Valves Flashcards
1
Q
What is a major disadvantage of biological (prosthetic) heart valves?
A
Deterioration and calcification
2
Q
Which patients are prosthetic heart valves used in?
A
Older patients
> 65 years for aortic valves
> 70 years for mitral valves
3
Q
What is the most common type of mechanical valve?
A
The bileaflet valve.
(Ball and cage valves are rarely used)
4
Q
What is a disadvantage of mechanical valves?
A
Increased ris of thombosis.
5
Q
What anticoagulation/antiplatelets are used in prosthetic valves?
A
Aspirin
(warfarin may be given initially for the first 3 months)
6
Q
What anticoagulation/antiplatelets are used in mechanical valves?
A
Warfarin + Aspirin
7
Q
What is the target INR in mechanical valves for aortic valves and mitral valves?
A
Aortic 2-3
Mitral 2.5-3.5
