The question about whether a jewish person who doesn't eat pork for religious reasons can use a porcine valve, or inject Lovenox (enoxaparin) because it's made with porcine serum, is one that may be of interest to jews who are concerned about it.
Aside from the fact that the valve may keep you alive (although bovine may be a good alternative) and Lovenox is an effective bridge if your INR gets too low, there may still be the question about whether or not you can use these things and still remain kosher.
A rabbi gave me an answer: although there's a prohibition against EATING pork, there's no such restriction (at least, the writer of the Torah didn't consider the possibility) against injecting or implanting a pig-related product.
So - for jews who are concerned about this, according to a rabbi (and there may be others who don't agree, if you ask enough rabbis), a porcine valve, or an injectable like Lovenox, are okay.
Aside from the fact that the valve may keep you alive (although bovine may be a good alternative) and Lovenox is an effective bridge if your INR gets too low, there may still be the question about whether or not you can use these things and still remain kosher.
A rabbi gave me an answer: although there's a prohibition against EATING pork, there's no such restriction (at least, the writer of the Torah didn't consider the possibility) against injecting or implanting a pig-related product.
So - for jews who are concerned about this, according to a rabbi (and there may be others who don't agree, if you ask enough rabbis), a porcine valve, or an injectable like Lovenox, are okay.