Prognosis of Heart Valve Replacement

Heart valves that are severely damaged must be replaced with one of two types of artificial devices. The prognosis for each form of replacement varies. The mortality rate is also dependent on the specific valve being treated.

Significance

• Heart valve replacement surgery repairs damaged valves inside the chambers of the heart that control blood flow through the muscle. Most procedures replace the aortic or mitral valve.

Identification

• There are two types of replacement valves. Biological valves come from human donors, cows or pigs. Mechanical valves are made of metal or plastic.

Mechanical Valves

• The prognosis of heart valve replacement using mechanical valves includes long-term success, but also the need for blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin. "They require long-term anti-coagulation and are considered extremely durable, lasting longer than tissue valves," says the John Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute.

Biological Valves

• Installation of a biological heart valve replacement does not require lifelong medication but its lifespan is limited. An additional valve replacement is often necessary after 10 to 15 years. This prognosis lacks appeal to some patients.

Prognosis

• The average hospital stay after valve replacement surgery is one to two weeks, with full recovery taking several months. "The death rate averages 2 to 5 percent, depending on the heart valve," says the United States Library of Medicine. "About two of every three patients who received an artificial mitral valve are still alive nine years after the surgery."