How Long Can a Mitral Valve Replacement Last?

How long can patients expect a mitral valve replacement to last? In this educational video, Dr. Marc Gerdisch, Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at Indiana University Health, explains the factors that influence the durability of tissue and mechanical mitral valves. Dr. Gerdisch discusses why tissue valves in the mitral position experience greater pressure than those in the aortic position, potentially reducing their lifespan to approximately 10 years or less in younger patients.

Dr. Gerdisch also explains how patient age, valve size, diabetes, and other health conditions can affect the longevity of a mitral valve replacement. He discusses why mechanical valves may be considered for patients with longer life expectancies and why repeat mitral valve surgery can be more challenging than aortic valve surgery. This informative discussion helps patients better understand their replacement options and the important considerations involved in choosing a durable heart valve. (Video posted on October 15, 2026)