Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement Options
Angie just made a big decision. After researching her options and talking with several patients and surgeons, Angie has selected a mechanical aortic valve replacement for her diseased, bicuspid valve that suffers from severe stenosis.
She writes, “Hi Adam - I never thought it would be so hard to pick between a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve replacement, but it was. Considering my age and fear of another heart surgery, I’m going for the mechanical! Now, the question becomes, which is the best mechanical aortic valve replacement for me. Any thoughts? Thanks, Angie.”
This is a tough question. In fact, it is a question I try not to answer considering that many surgeons have “valve replacement favorites” after several years of clinical work. However, this blog is about educating patients and caregivers about heart valve surgery. That said, I will reference a number of different mechanical aortic valve replacement devices below.
Here is a picture and link to Medtronic’s Hall Easy-Fit Mechanical Prosthesis:
Here is a picture and link to St. Jude’s Medical’s Regent Valve:
Here is a picture and link to On-X’s Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement:
I hope this helps you better understand the different brands and manufacturers of mechanical aortic heart valve replacements.
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of an actual heart valve surgery patient. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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September 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I had a St. Jude mechanical aortic valve replacement 3 weeks ago, and I am amazed at how well I am doing. My surgeon just released to do just about anything I feel like doing.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Hi Angie, I had my aortic valve replaced with an On-x valve 8 weeks ago and am doing great also. My Dr and I decided to go with this one due to the low anticoagulation requirements. I should get off coumadin in the next month or so. “Keeping my fingers crossed.” I feel much better when I don’t take coumadin. Keep doing your research and good luck. KT
November 14th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Angie & KT.
I am getting ready to decide on the type of mechanical valve I’m going to have in the next week or so. I am leaning toward an ON-X.
I’d be much appreciative of any info and experiences you can offer pro or con on the valve.
How noisy is it?
KT- I’ve not heard of anyone coming totally off coumadin. What criteria did they use to make that move?
March 21st, 2009 at 9:22 am
Angie, Katie & Steve
I am also in the process of deciding on a valve. I was all set on a mechanical one (I am 65 now) hoping to see my 80’s without re-surgery. We decided on an ON-X due to reduced Warferin dosage. My surgeon is now pushing for a tissue valve, saying that my active sailing lifstyle may lead to bleeding complications with a mechanical valve and warfarin. He also says that these tissue valves now last for 20 years or more, I am not so sure. Johnnie
September 16th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I am 65 and due for a second aorta valve surgery. I currently have a bovine tissue valve and it has lasted only 10 years, so I am leaning toward the mechanical and would appreciate any new data on the best mechanical valve on the market.