title: [History, present and future of biomaterials used for artificial heart valves].
abstract: Artificial heart valves can be classified into mechanical and biological. We have three types of mechanical heart valves: caged ball, tilting disc and bileaflet. Mechanical heart valves are made from various materials. They may be produced from metals, ceramics and polymers, e.g.: stainless steel, titanium, silicone, pyrolytic carbon. Biological valves are made from synthetic components (e.g.: PTFE, Dacron) and materials of biological origin (e.g.: cow pericardium, pig heart valve). We have also identified transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI may be produced from metals, ceramics and polymers (e.g.: stainless steel, titanium, Dacron) and biological material (e.g.: pig heart valve). This paper describes advantages and disadvantages of different types of artificial heart valves. The lifespan of mechanical valves is 20-30 years and they can be used for patients of any age. Mechanical valves have also disadvantages--anticoagulants are required to prevent thrombosis. Biological valves are made from natural materials, so they do not require prolonged anticoagulation. Their lifetime is 10-15 years, so they are offered to patients over 40 years. Another problem is the occurrence of calcification.
authors.affiliation: Zakład Chirurgii Eksperymentalnej i Badania Biomateriałów, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Slaskich we Wrocławiu, Wrocław, Polska.
authors.forename: Benita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kostrzewa
authors.affiliation: Zakład Chirurgii Eksperymentalnej i Badania Biomateriałów, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Slaskich we Wrocławiu, Wrocław, Polska.
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Rybak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001705:Bioprosthesis / Q000639:trends; D000075202:Contraindications; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials