Prosthetic valves

Question 1

Why might patients have a midline sternotomy scar

Answer 1

CABG
Aortic valve replacement
Mitral valve replacement

Question 2

Options for replacement of valves

Answer 2

Either a bioprosthetic or a metallic mechanical valve

Question 3

Major complications of mechanical heart valves

Answer 3

Thrombus formation(blood stagnates and clots) 
Infective endocarditis(infection in prosthesis) 
Haemolysis causing anaemia(blood gets churned up in the valve)

Question 4

What is trans catheter aortic valve implantation

Answer 4

Treatment for severe aortic stenosis

Involves insertion of a catheter in to the femoral artery under X-ray guidance to the location of aortic valve, then inflating a balloon to stretch the stenosed aortic valve and implanting a bioprosthetic valve

Question 5

What will patients with mechanical valves need

Answer 5

Lifelong anticoagulation with warfarin

Question 6

What is infective endocarditis usually caused by

Answer 6

Gram positive cocci organisms:

Staphylococcus
Streptococcus
Enterococcus