How Long Does A Mechanical Mitral Valve Last?

October 4th, 2007

Finally, somewhat of an easy question… (You guys have been tough on me lately!)

Well, not really.

Let me explain….

There is a pretty standard answer to the question, “How Long Does A Mechanical Mitral Valve Last?”

In fact, the durability of a mechanical mitral valve is one of the biggest advantages of selecting a mechanical valve versus a pig valve (porcine valve), cow valve (bovine valve) or human valve (donor) for heart valve replacement surgery.

The trade-off for the long-lasting life of the mechanical mitral valve, however, is the ongoing use of coumadin (blood thinners) and the potential sound of a mechanical valve.

That said, a mechanical mitral valve can is reported to last between 20 to 25 years. Some suggest that the life of a mechanical mitral valve may even be longer.

You have to remember two things. First, heart valve replacement surgery is a relatively new medical procedure. It’s only been within the past 30 to 40 years that heart surgery has become a standardized medical procedure.

Second, you need to remember that mechanical mitral valves are made of very durable materials including titanium. Thus, there is some uncertainty as to how long the mechanical mitral valves may last in the human body. It may very well be longer than the 20 to 25 years referenced above.

I hope that helps answer the question, “How long does a mechanical mitral valve last?”

Keep on tickin!

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.

14 Comments... Click here to add one.

Nikki says on March 3rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm

My brother is about to undergo his 3rd heart valve replacement within 10 yrs. His first was a mechanical valve, his second was a pig valve, The pig valve lasted longer than his first one. I cannot find an easy understanding of His survival percentage for this third time around on the internet. Im wondering if you can lead me to a website that mite be easy to follow and understand all that he is about to go through. He is only 35yrs old. 5 ft 8 in. and weighs about 175/185 lbs. If you can help me out great, Thank you.

lolly turbi says on April 29th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

I am a woman living with a mechanical mitral valve for the past 13 years. I will be 33 this year and need to know if it is possible for me to become a mother without the risk of mitral valve failure? all of the patients I come in contact with are either too old or too young. I know that it will be high risk and that I will have to have a team of doctors around me through out the entire pregnancy but I need to know if this is something that can actuall y be a reality for me or should I not consider this and move on? please let me know.

Thanks
Lolly

Karen Gruppelaar says on May 6th, 2009 at 10:25 am

Hi Lolly, don’t give up hope!!!

I am 45 years old and have had 2 aortic valve replacements, the first when I was 28 years old, they gave me a tissue valve which did not need medication(warfarin), being a female and would probably want to have children, this was the best option, after a year this valve leaked so was then given a titanium valve, which was my only option and have been on warfarin for 18 years, I fell pregnant at 37, my doctor told me we would work thru this, as worried as I was as I knew there is a high risk of taking warfarin when you are pregnant, the outlook is not good, but continued on with my pregnancy scared to death. Normally a pregnant woman taking warfarin is taken off this and given heparin, with the warfarin being such a danger to baby, in my circumstances they could not take me off the warfarin, I had to continue taking it and hope for the best and remained positive throughout the whole ordeal. I was finally given heparin. which I had to inject into my stomach, 2 days before my caeserean, at 33 weeks, still scared to death all turned out for the best, I had a healthy 5pound 2oz baby boy, 7 weeks early, he would have been big if I had gone full term, he is now nearly 7 and we have not looked back. He has had no problems and nor have I(touch wood), I have now had this titanium valve for 18 years and I can still hear it and sick of taking warfarin and having blood tests, but what can I do, I am forever grateful I have got my son, I have been told I can’t have any more, but we have both got out lives, what more could you ask for

I wish you all the best and all things are possible, remaining positive is a big factor

john a. gaines says on June 24th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

I am now 68 years old, and had a aortic valve replacement on 3/7/77. The valve is a Star-Edwards. For a number of years, I have wondered how long it would last until recently when I had a angiographm and the report was that the valve looks very clean and good. The problem I have had is that the current doctors were in grade school when the valve was replaced, so do not know what to expect with a 32 year old one. I would be interested in any history you may be aware of. John

Elizabeth Borjas says on July 12th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

Hi everyone.

I was happy to find this site. It is good to have support and read the experiences others are going through. I had a mitral valve replacement at 41. I am now 51. It was replaced with a titanium St. Jude valve. For the most part, everything has gone fine except this weekend.

I had a stroke Friday, July 10th. I thank God that there was no damage to my body. My brain was damaged but the doctor said it can heal and that is what I am praying for.

The most important thing is to live as normal a life as possible, but to be educated and be your own medical activist. I know now that my protime numbers have to be on the higher end of my range which is 2.5 – 3.5. When I had the stroke it was at 2.3, and had been there a couple of weeks.

My cholestrol was not bad but it was at the higher end of my range. Because I had a stroke I have to get it down to the lower range. I am 51. So those of you who are my age – watch your cholestrol and pro-time ranges.

I still have some test this week, but I am thankful there was no neurological damage. The doctors said it was a miracle and I pray all of you who have gone through what I have are healthy and happy. Life is good. Take care of yourselves. Elizabeth

Donna Pulvirenti says on September 3rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm

Back in 1982, I had mitral valve repair. In 1993, my mitral valve needed to be replaced. Because I wanted to start a family, I opted for the porcine (tissue valve). I delivered two healthy babies (when I was 37 & 39). My pregencies went extremely well. Since then, I developed atrial fibrillation. I was put on coumadin and soalatol(sp).

Last month (July 23rd to be exact) I had emergency heart valve replacement surgery (this time mechanical – AST). I did not know I was going into congestive heart failure since I routinely had my INR tested, check ups, etc. The doctors could not explain it, just that my valve was extremely damaged and had blood clots forming behind my heart. Thank god everything turned out perfectly. I am home back with my family and grateful for the wonderful doctors/surgeons at NY Presb. Hospital in NYC.
Only drawback – I hear the clicking of the valve – not all the time- and the surgeon said the AST mechanical valve is the quietest and enventually I should not even hear it. Besides taking coumadin, watching what I am eating (not too much Vitiamin K) and living a healthy life, I can deal with the clicking!

Matt says on September 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 pm

Hey everyone,

I had a aortic valvotomy at age 2
Aortic valve replacement at age 8 (mechanical Bjork Shiley)
Aortic valve replacement at age 12 (mechanical St. Jude bi-flap valve)

I’ve now had the St. Jude for 26 years without any issue. pressure across the valve has stayed fairly constant and still only have trace regurg from it. I’ve asked about the life of the valve and been told a number of things but my surgeon about a month ago told me (I was getting a surgical consult on replacing my mitral valve now…yay!) when he recommened ST. Jude again that through simulations in lab testing that valve has an estimated lifespan of 300 years. I found that kind of comforting.

Patricia Payton says on October 1st, 2009 at 9:04 pm

Hi, I had a Sy Jude mitral valve in 1994, Iwas 50 years old, I am now 65, I had 2 ablations because of atrial fib… Its always good to read about others. I had a couple mini strokes, but noting serious so far!! Thanks To God!!!! Good Luck to all of you that areon coumadin, its hasnt bother me , you have to know your limitations is all, Sincel, Patricia

Tonya Key says on January 30th, 2010 at 6:20 pm

I have a 11 year old daughter. She was born with AV can defect. That was a easy fix at 4 months old. Then at 18 months they realized her mitral valve was defromed and replaced it with a mechanical. That one lasted 5 years. We are approaching her 12th birthday and I am wondering if it’s gonna be time again to replace it. They told us they had put in the smallest adult size, a St.Jude. She often ask if she will ever be able to be a mommy? Heart breaking but she knows it is always a risk. Glad to find this site.

Bruce says on March 7th, 2010 at 9:54 am

I developed Bacterial Endocarditis in 1998, from Strep. I knew I had prolapse, but did not know why I was so sick for 3 months. I went to my doctor who sent to the hospital on 02/03/1999 and I received a Medtronic-Hall mechanical Mitral Valve on 02/18/2009. So far, as of today, 03/07/2010, the valve is in good condition. I do have a small amount of leakage and I am having an Echo tomorrow to see what else might me happening. Like others, I have had several small strokes, but no significant damage. I still have the blood pressure, cholesterol, atrial flutter, warfarin issues.

Beth of health to all!

Charlie Grech says on March 23rd, 2010 at 2:52 pm

8 years ago (I was 58 years old) had a aortic valve replacement, now the surgeon who still looks after me found that the mitral is stenosed and that I need to be operated to replace the mitral valve, I am very worried, I am now 66 years old. Has anyone been to the same trouble as I am now?.
Please help.
Thanks

Serge says on April 22nd, 2010 at 9:05 pm

Hi Adam,
Had the aortic valve replaced in 1999 and still ticking…

Gill says on May 4th, 2010 at 6:03 am

Hi
I had Bacterial Endocarditis in 1998 and had the mitral and tricuspid valves replaced with Bjork-Shiley ones. I thought they would last forever, but my consultant has told me that they will need replacing one day. How do you know when they need replacing, is it a gradual thing or a sudden collapse?

Rob says on August 26th, 2010 at 9:54 pm

My wife has had her original Mitral valve replacement for 40 years next March. I would be interested if anyone knows whether this is a record.