Mitral valve mechanical or biological?

[LGBE]

I’m due to have mitral valve surgery soon and am undecided regarding the type of valve. I’m 55 so have been given the choice, surgery will be minimal invasive. The surgeon flagged up the impact of a lifetime of warfarin, but equally if I opt for biological I’m unsure about longevity and have been told I can only have it done one more time…. Any experience from others would be very appreciated.

[peterosgood]

I had my aortic valve replaced in December 2020, I was also 55. I opted for a mechanical valve as to replace mine I had to have OHS. For me, it was all about longevity, tissue valves have a shelf life, mine will last a lifetime and the thought of OHS twice made my mind up for me. I am on warfarin but it really isn't a problem. You get used to taking them and periodicy you have an INR test to see what your level is and your medication can be adjusted accordingly. You can purchase a machine and test yourself, sending the results via email and your medication is adjusted that way. So it all comes down to personal choice and if you want to undergo surgery more than once. Good luck with everything 👍

[Wizard_of_Oz]

Hi LGBE, making the decision is the toughest bit, once done you’re ok! I had exactly the same choice as peterosgood but chose a tissue Resilia valve. At the end of the day it’s a personal choice. I didn’t like the idea of warfarin monitoring, limited alcohol, risk of internal bleeding (i am still quite active) or clicking. I have accepted the possibility of either a redo OHS or TAVI. Good luck, no clear winner, not give you a fantastic outcome vs current state, remember that 😁

[LadyPumpkinseed]

Hello LGBE, I’m almost 62 and opted for a tissue mitral valve replacement which I had done last month. Until I joined this forum I’d no idea that a mechanical valve ticks like a clock! I wasn’t keen on the idea of taking warfarin but the ticking would have affected my ability to work (as an actor) and since I’ve no intention of retiring that’s what clinched it for me. I was told by my surgeon that even mechanical valves aren’t without their problems, and that with ever increasing technology who knows what will be on offer in 10-15 years time. Good luck and best wishes, I’m sure whatever you choose will be right for you. Pen.

[LadyPumpkinseed in reply to LadyPumpkinseed]

Btw I was only offered a sternotomy rather than minimally invasive.

[pmh131953]

Hello LGBE,I was 65 when I had OHS and replacement metal valve. I also felt I did not want to have this op again, which could be the case with the synthetic valve. Do what you are doing, ask questions and do as much research as you can. Perhaps enquire is it possible to have key hole surgery ? I had a colonoscopy 12 months after heart surgery and to prepare for the procedure I needed to carry out self injections for a few days prior to the procedure. I never thought what would happen if I needed any further surgery especially in an emergency! The surgeons know what they can do in an emergency, just make sure you have warfarin id with you! My warfarin levels do fluctuate theraputic range is ( 2.5/3.5). Marginal changes to my doses are made to correct the position and then a few weeks later have another blood test. I have not had a heavy bleed problem to have to cope with.I have blood tests every 4/6 weeks, I'm retired so is not that inconvenient. My valve doesn't make a sound so looks like I'm lucky.Good luck.

[Hanibil]

I had a mechanical aortic valve in 2005 and am delighted I did. Who wants to have another operation when the tissue valve wears out no me. I take warfarin and don’t find it a problem.