Prosthetic heart valves: why biological?
The replacement of heart valves only became feasible after the development of the heart-lung machine in 1953. Two groups of prosthetic heart valves were subsequently developed: biological valves that do not require anticoagulation and mechanical valves that require life-long anticoagulation with Coumadin. The incidence of heart surgery and the demographics of patients who require heart valve surgery vary worldwide; these factors influence the choice of prosthetic valve for the individual patient and are briefly reviewed. Improved biological tissue-fixation methods are also increasing the durability of biological prosthetic valves and will further favor the implantation of biological valves in the future.
von Oppell
U O
UO
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa. uvonopp@thoracic.cts.uct.ac.za
Zilla
P
P
D001705:Bioprosthesis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans