Valvular xenograft and valvular xenobioprosthesis: Past, present, and future.
At the present time, glutaraldehyde-preserved porcine valves appear to be a reasonable alternative in valvular replacement. The expected durability limit of 8-15 years with the models currently commercially available is counterbalanced by a lower risk of acute complications; particularly thromboembolism. This allows the patient to be free from drugs and related problems. Our opinion is that the patient should take part in choosing between a bioprosthesis and a mechanical prosthesis. This critical choice will depend upon the relative importance for each individual of an improved quality of life with a bioprosthesis versus a lower risk of reoperation with a mechanical valve.
D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D006082:Graft Enhancement, Immunologic; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans