Comments on: What Percent Of Pig Heart Valve Replacements Fail?

By: Cynthia Creasy

Cynthia Creasy — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:12:03 +0000

My husband had the Metronic Mosiac Porcine Aortic Valve implanted in January 2011. He began having dizzy spells in Aug, 2011. Cardiologist ordered an echocardiogram, which indicated stenois from what appeared to be some type of “growth” (scar tissue?). The “growth” was causing an impedement in the movement of the leaflets, which they stated was stenosis. Surgery was scheduled right away, due to the dizzy spells. November 16, 2011, my husband underwent another open-heart surgery. It was not a mechanical issue after all, but a massive heart infection. The surgeon stated there were “balls” of infection surrounding the aortic valve, and the consistency was like Elmer’s glue! Everyone was totalled shocked. My question is this, are there any statistics regarding infections (such as this) documented with this valve? Thank you.

By: Ron Domingue

Ron Domingue — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:14:45 +0000

I’m 62 now, had the medtronic mosaic porcine aortic valve installed on 9/06/2007. My last two echocardiograms, one in 10/09 and the last recently in ll/10 show an increase in the aortic gradients from peak gradient at 46.51 to 52.13 and mean gradient from 21.1 to 23.1. From what I understand this is an indication of a moderate degree of aortic stenosis. My doctor said this is normal though. My question is,” what are the numbers for these gradients when the valve is no longer viable, and can one use these numbers to measure the remaining life of my mosaic porcine valve?”

By: Phil Wilkinson

Phil Wilkinson — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:33:00 +0000

I had a Metronic Mosiic Porcine aortic valce inplanted October 2008. It was just discovered that it is not functioning properly, and I need surgery to replace it asap. It has been 21 months since it was implanted. This is the third generation of this valve. It is not a good feeling to have to go through this surgery again. I am an active 74 who enjoys skiing, hiking, and sailing. I have no other blockages . I have full faith in my surgeon but this still is tough.

By: Steve Rultedge

Steve Rultedge — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:26:07 +0000

My surgery was done on April 13th. Both my Cardiologist and Surgeon were very confident about the Medtronic Mosaic Porcine valve and both said that the 3rd generation value could last up to 20 years. Let’s hope!

By: Kathy Mccain

Kathy Mccain — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:21:44 +0000

My surgery was done last year, Feb 11th. I had the 3rd generation Medtronic Mosaic Ultra Porcine valve implanted. MY surgeon and cardiologist both, were very comfortable with the effectiveness, and longevity of the valve. They said the new tissue valves would last anywhere from 10 to 20 yrs. More on the side of twenty years. The cardio I am seeing now, indicated to me that the new tissue valves, may even last up to 30 yrs. (this was 3 mos ago) I have sent an email to my surgeon to get his professional opinion, and to see if the hospital here, in Houston has discontinued implanting this valve.

Also, the article did not say what type of Medtronic valve. There are several different types. I am assuming all of them?

By: Lana Moore

Lana Moore — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:09:09 +0000

Could it be that Metronics has improved their mosaic pig valves since 2005? I certainly hope so…as this was 4 years ago and longer when this study was done. I just had surgery May 14 and my surgeon felt comfortable in saying that porcine valves last around 20 years.