Mitral Valve replacement

[Caramilk]

Hello all. I'm going in for mitral Valve replacement next week and I still haven't decided whether to have a tissue or mechanical Valve . Has anyone had this surgery? If so can you tell me how you made your decision please? Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Caramilk,

When I made the decision for my first Aortic Valve, it was an easy choice. I opted for a Tissue Valve, that was in 1994.

Two reasons why - I just wanted to be Hospital free for a few years. As it happens I got almost nineteen years out of it. Secondly, hopeful that surgical techniques would have moved on before my second surgery became due. Absolutely happy with that decision and I would do the same again. I was 33years old at the time.

Second time around wasn't so easy, I had planned another Tissue, but, in the end opted for Mechanical. Main reason being that I thought it was unfair on my family for me to put them through a third. I had complications in that surgery which resulted in both Aortic and Mitral replacements.

I had a third surgery 4months later due to Endocarditis. I wasn't given an option, and fitted with Mechanical again.

Having had both Tissue and Mechanical Valves, I'm of the view that they have their pros and cons. In my experience, the Tissue Valve was low maintenance, but, I was young and was fine in the knowledge I'd have it done again. I find Mechanical Valve require more care and attention in comparison.

If you do choose to opt for the Tissue, I can't emphasise more that you need to be clear in your mind, that it may need replacing at some point, but, also consider, that the new generation of of Valves have moved on significantly and evolved in recent years, as have surgical techniques. Whichever, you need to be comfortable and live with the decision you make.

Take Care

Heed

[Caramilk in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Sounds like you've been through a lot so I hope you're well now. I was leaning towards a tissue valve at first as i didn't want to be on Wharfarin because that brings it's own set of problems. Also, like yourself, I was hoping surgery will have advanced by the time it needs replacing again and it could possibly be done via keyhole. Now I'm leaning towards mechanical as that should hopefully see me through to a ripe old age. I've spoken to the BHF support line who have been really helpful and have highlighted some other complications following tissue replacement which may mean I would have to take Wharfarin anyway. My surgery is next week so I need to make my mind up pretty soon! I'll sit with my family and go through the pro's and con's of each. Thank you again.

[rubyred5051sew in reply to Hidden]

i had a mechanical valve fitted in 2023 at the age of 53 my choice although i am on warfarin it is only a problem if you need any other surgary as you have to come of it better than going back in for more heart ops no regrets

[Hidden in reply to rubyred5051sew]

Hi, Should your reply be to Caramilk and not me.

[rubyred5051sew in reply to Hidden]

sorry

[Crackerchops]

At 55 yrs old I decided the mechanical one would be better then later in older age having to go through it again. Taking Warfarin for life along with all my other 10 meds isn't a problem. Good luck and a quick recovery.

[Caramilk in reply to Crackerchops]

Thank you for replying. I've spent time looking into wharfarin in more detail so it's nice to hear it hasn't caused you any problems.