Prosthetic Heart Valves, Part I: Identification and Potential Complications

Mechanical Heart Valves

Single leaflet/tilting disc ( Table 2 )

This valve is often used when small-size mechanical prostheses are needed.^[2]

Of the 1,766 valves replaced with this type of valve,^[8] valve-related deaths occurred among less than 1% of patients. Primary risk factors for complications include diabetes, age, concurrent coronary artery bypass grafting, and hypertension.^[8] The valve shows low thrombogenicity in patients on anticoagulant therapy.^[2]

Figure 1 depicts this and other currently marketed prosthetic valves.

Thrombi may form on the struts, the fabric, and on the interface of valve.^[10] No mechanical dysfunction has been reported. Valve-related deaths range between 4.5 and 12.1% of implants.^[11,12,13] The valve's overall performance is comparable to other tilting-disc mechanical valves.^[11,12,14] Note that this valve is not used in North America today, but is still used in Europe.

Geriatrics and Aging. 2006;9(10):691-696. © 2006  1453987 Ontario, Ltd.

Cite this: Prosthetic Heart Valves, Part I: Identification and Potential Complications - Medscape - Jan 11, 2006.