Valve replacement for Pulmonary valve

[lcwhitney]

Can anyone tell me if a particular type of valve works better than another for a pulmonary valve replacement? I will be having my pulmonary valve replaced again. When this will happen will be decided after my heart cath on the 19th. I have a grafted one now. Since the first grafted one has only lasted for 18mos. I was thinking that another mechanical valve would be best.


Lettitia

 

[vlamus]

Lettitia,
Just finished going through PV replacement 2.5 weeks ago at Mayo's. I was told since the PV is a "low pressure" valve, tissue valves are most commonly used. I got a porcine valve. They did not rec. mechanical valves at all due to the risk of clots and need for coumadin. Tissue supposedly last longer in the Pulmonary position since it is lower pressure. I was quoted 15-25 years. Again, that is Mayo and you need to discuss with your doctor. Vla