What Are Your Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement Options?
September 10th, 2008Angie 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.
Below is a picture of the ATS Open Pivot mechanical valve for aortic replacement. The ATS Open Pivot is often referred to as “one of the quietest” mechanical valves in the industry:
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!
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| 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. |
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