What is the life expectancy of a patient with a mechanical valve vs. one with a tissue valve?
All patients receiving any heart valve implant have suffered from valve disease. Thus, they need appropriate ongoing medical care, which may include anticoagulation, blood pressure control, management of heart failure, diabetes, weight reduction, etc. Given the excellence of the Sorin Group mechanical heart valve, it is unlikely that it will fail structurally and it should last a lifetime. All tissue valves will ultimately suffer tissue alteration and the valve may deteriorate and fail, but this process is gradual and can be identified and managed. Life expectancy depends on the type of valve and patient factors. There is extensive information available to enable patient and advising physician to make an appropriate and individual decision regarding the choice of valve to be used.
