Artificial heart valves, also known as prosthetic heart valves, are medical devices used to replace damaged natural heart valves. These valves regulate blood flow through the heart’s chambers, ensuring proper circulation. They are implanted when a heart valve is damaged by disease, age, or congenital abnormalities.
Types of Artificial Heart Valves:
- Mechanical Valves:These are made from durable, non-biological materials like metal (titanium, cobalt) and pyrolytic carbon. They are known for their longevity but require lifelong blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) to prevent blood clots.
- Bioprosthetic Valves:These are made from animal tissue (porcine or bovine) and offer a lower risk of blood clots, eliminating the need for lifelong anticoagulation in some cases. However, they may not last as long as mechanical valves.
- Engineered Tissue Valves:These are a newer type of valve that combines features of both mechanical and bioprosthetic valves.
Choosing the Right Valve:
The selection of a valve depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, lifestyle, overall health, and risk factors for bleeding or clotting. A medical professional can assess these factors and recommend the most suitable valve for each individual.
Benefits of Artificial Heart Valves:
- Improved heart function and blood circulation.
- Reduced symptoms associated with heart valve problems, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.
- In some cases, improved quality of life and longer life expectancy.
Risks associated with Artificial Heart Valves:
- Mechanical Valves: Risk of blood clots requiring lifelong anticoagulation therapy.
- Bioprosthetic Valves: Risk of valve degeneration and failure over time.
- Both Types: Risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications.
Surgical Procedures:
Artificial heart valve replacement can be performed through open-heart surgery or through minimally invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The choice of surgical approach depends on the patient’s specific condition and the type of valve being implanted.
