HEART VALVES
MECHANICAL
VALVES
mechanical valves (also called
metallic) are made of inorganic
materials (currently, generally
pyrolytic carbon)
ADVANTAGE
The great advantage of
mechanical valve prostheses is
their durability, that is, their
materials are so resistant that,
despite this torrent, no wear is
observed even after years and
years.
DISADVANTAGE
The formation of thrombi could
be a very serious problem, since
these can migrate to any part of
the body, causing great
damage. To avoid this, patients
with mechanical valve
prostheses must take
anticoagulant medication for
life.
BIOLOGICAL
VALVES
Biological valves are those
whose manufacture uses
organic tissues, that is, valves or
pericardium of animals (cow,
pig, ...).
ADVANTAGE
The main advantage of
biological prostheses is that
they do not require
anticoagulation. This is because,
being organic material, the
blood does not tend to clot
when in contact with them.
DISADVANTAGE
Over time, despite the fact that
biological valves are subjected
to special treatments to prevent
deterioration, they undergo
degeneration ("wear").
Therefore, over the years, they
may require a new intervention
to remove them and change
them for a new one.