Prosthetic Valves

Updated December 2, 2021

Introduction

• Types:
  • Mechanical Valves
    • • Ball-in-cage
      • Single tilting Disc
      • Bi-leaflet
    • Advantages:
      • Very durable (ideal for young patients)
    • Disadvantages:
      • Higher thrombotic risk
      • No transcatheter options (all surgical)
  • Bioprosthetic Valves
    • Made of pericardial/bovine/cadaver tissue
    • Advantages:
      • Low risk of thrombosis, many not require anticoagulation
      • Some can be inserted minimally invasive (i.e. Transcatheter – TAVR)
    • Disadvantages:
      • Earlier wear/degeneration (generally ~ 10y longevity)
  • Internists MUST appreciate types of mechanical valves to understand anticoagulation targets
  • Internists may not need to know difference in types of bioprosthetic valves.