Title : Choice of best prosthetic valve
Abstract:
Heart valve replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve. There are two main types of prosthetic valves: Mechanical and tissue valves. Mechanical valves are made of durable materials and have better durability, but require lifelong anticoagulation therapy. Tissue valves, on the other hand, are made of human or animal donor tissue and do not require anticoagulation therapy, but have a shorter lifespan. The choice of valve substitute depends on various factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and the severity of the valve disease. Experts usually recommend mechanical valves for people under age 50 and tissue valves for those over age 70. For people in their 50s and 60s, the choice of valve substitute is less clear and depends on individual factors. The ideal valve substitute should mimic the characteristics of a normal native valve, including excellent hemodynamic and long-term durability the guiding principle for any surgeon involved in valvular heart surgery should be “Why replace! Try to repair them all”. Most of the rheumatic valves are repairable. They require unblock resection of calcified & fibrous tissue & reconstruction with ample amount of pericardium and stable support with a ring to ensure free mobility, adequate coaptation of leaflets and a remodelled and stable annulus.
