Anticoagulation Valve Replacement Thoughts For Mechanical Devices (Plus Video)

October 3rd, 2008

Last month, Scott was diagnosed with aortic valve regurgitation. After his initial research, Scott was going to select a mechanical valve. However, the more Scott learned about the use of anticoagulation therapy (e.g. Coumadin) to prevent clotting on aortic mechanical valve replacements, the more concerned he became. Scott’s email to me reads:

“Hi Adam – I’m 52 and suffer from severe aortic regurgitation. I’m torn between my mechanical and bioprosthetic options. Can you help me better understand the risks of anticoagulants relative to valve function and patient lifestyle?”

Anticoagulant Valve Replacement Medication - Coumadin

Anticoagulation is a concern for many patients concerned with long-term use of Coumadin to prevent clotting. As Nancy previously wrote, there are some documented and theorized risks of anticoagulation therapy on valve replacement patients.

At the same time, there are other valve replacement options – including the ON-X mitral / aortic valve replacement – in trials that require a lower-to-no doses of Coumadin.

On-X Valve Replacement

Ultimately, this is a very personal decision for the patient. There are pros and cons to both artificial valves (requiring anticoagulant therapy) and biological valves (pig valves, cow valves, human donor valves). I suggest you write down the pros, write down the cons and then discuss with your family and your surgeon.

I hope this helps explain more about anticoagulation, valve replacement options and Coumadin therapy. If you are interested, I just located this informative video about Coumadin. Simply press the play button in the middle of your screen and make sure your volume is turned up so you can hear it.

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.