Tissue or metal heart valves ?

[Number12]

Facing an op to replace two heart valves. Any views on choosing tissue or metal ones ?

[Hanibil]

Hi I had mechanical aortic valve 2005 at age 48, it’s been absolutely brilliant yes I have to take warfarin nothing to it, and as this valve should last my lifetime I don’t have to go through all the trauma and possible dangers of having another operation when a tissue one wears out. I would 100% recommend a mechanical valve.

[tapfoot]

I'd be guided by your surgeon. I opted for tissue at their suggestion, but he took the sting out of the decision by telling me that if I changed my mind, he would just choose the one I wanted from the shelf. Wishing you luck with the op.

[EasygoingJoe]

Go for the tissue Resillia Edwards Lifesciences valve if you can. That's my advice.

[ILowe in reply to EasygoingJoe]

Why? Just curious.

[EasygoingJoe in reply to ILowe]

Because it uses the newest technology available and has been researched thoroughly... have a look at the research. I would recommend you consult some of the top surgeons such as Professor Olaf Wendler. I am younger than you. All the best.

[ILowe in reply to EasygoingJoe]

Thanks. To save time, do you happen to know off hand how long this valve lasts? Do you or anyone else reading this happen to know what the failure rate is? (Failure leading to re-operation).

[EasygoingJoe in reply to ILowe]

No it's brand new that's only problem. But there's no guarantee with any valve tbh. But predictions are 20 years plus .

[RoyM]

I think you also need to consider your age. The tissue valves have improved over the years but will need replacing at some stage. The metal valve can be heard when you're quiet and resting ( some people find it reassuring) and you will have to take Warfarin for life it is a choice for you and your surgeons advice. Good luck.

[andy110519]

Hi, I had a mechanical one 3 years ago and don't really notice the ticking. From what I've heard things are moving on with Tavi, replacing a tissue valve when it wears out doesn't mean OHS if you have a particular valve now.Different regions offer different valves though so talk to your surgeon.

Andy

[Coper10]

I had a mechanical valve aged 52. I didn't want to have to go through OHS again. I haven't found the Warfarin to be a problem once my INR settled, it seems fairly stable so is usually checked between 50-70 days. I have had no issues so far and am happy with my decision but the decision is dependent on your personal situation.

[BicuspidBloke]

I went for tissue in August, aged 50. The medical professionals all seemed surprised but I am quite active so didn't want warfarin plus I had already had enough of being a patient and tissue allowed me to getting back to my normal life quicker. The official advice is it should last at least 12 to 15 years but unofficially they were hoping for 20. By then I'm counting on TAVI having progressed.

[Cathrd]

Hi, you don’t say how old you are but I was 37 when I needed my valve replacement. I did a lot of research on the options as well as listened to my surgeon and I opted for a mechanical valve.

The main reason for this was the fact I hope and pray I never have to have open heart surgery again and the chances with a tissue valve due to my age would mean I would need to have it replaced. I had mine fitted through a minimally invasive procedure and have a shorter scar because of it.

I will be honest, I found warfarin and the blood tests a pain for a long time but the best thing I did was invest in my own INR testing machine so I can now test my bloods anytime I like and not have to fuss with going for blood tests. So if you do opt for the mechanical valve, I would thoroughly recommend the coaguchek machine as an investment in yourself, your health and your time.

I’ve had no issues with my valve and 5 years on I am exercising and lifting weights. Some mention the ticking - I used to hear mine mbut don’t anymore. I don’t even think about it.

I wish you all the best with your surgery no matter which option you choose.

Best wishes

Cath

[Number12 in reply to Cathrd]

Thank you. I'm 60 so fall within that difficult point, not so old, not so young.Heard bad things re Warfarin. Hope if I go for tissue valve science may have moved on in 10 years and OHS will not be needed to replace valves.

[Cathrd in reply to Number12]

You’re welcome. I’m sure whatever you decide, it’ll be the right decision for you. At 60 you have many years still ahead of you.

With regards to warfarin, my surgeon frightened me when discussing it and what I can and can’t do but whilst it’s taken some getting used to it isn’t really that bad after all. The biggest pain is getting my prescription from the pharmacy!

Surgery and technology advance and evolve so who knows what the future holds in regards to options. Me personally, I like to look at what is available to me now and then anything else is a bonus.

[ParrotLover22]

Hi. I just went along with having Mechanical Valves. ( Aortic and Mitral). That was the Surgeon's preference for me, at least! The Warfarin can be a bit troublesome sometimes getting the INR Level right and be aware that after the Surgery it can be very Unstable, but it does settle down and is perfectly normal. The Surgery is so worth it though as I feel so much better. Good Luck with whatever you choose

[Number12 in reply to ParrotLover22]

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice very very much appreciated.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to Number12]

Very Welcome

[Julie_O]

Hello! I guess this depends how old you are as to the longevity of the valve, I myself had two valves (aortic and mitral) in Feb 21. I asked the surgeon what he would do snd he vouched for the mechanical, I’m only 51 so to try as best to avoid the need for more open heart surgery in the future I did too,

I think I made the best decision available to me - I do sometimes worry about the complexities of warfarin but if I Can avoid being opened up again then that’s good.

The only other issue is that I have a double ticking noise which is very loud at times and it keeps me awake.

However, I am still alive, which I count my blessings for as when I was diagnosed I was already in stage four heart failure with only a few months left. Life is very different now but I’m glad it’s a life!!! Hope my experience helps you xx