Valve replacement surgery can be an effective, lifesaving treatment option for people with aortic or mitral valve diseases. Depending on your risk factors, such as health, diagnosis, and age, your healthcare providers will be able to recommend the appropriate valve replacement for you.
Traditional surgical aortic valve replacement and mitral valve replacement often require an incision over the chest and sternum. The sternum is then opened and spread apart using a surgical instrument. This provides the surgeon access to the heart and chest cavity, in order to replace your diseased heart valve (some surgeries may be performed using a minimally invasive technique without opening the chest).
After receiving your new heart valve, you may notice an immediate improvement in how you feel. Complete recovery may take approximately 6 to 12 weeks. Most heart valve patients resume a normal, healthy lifestyle.
Since each patient has a unique medical history, this information cannot replace discussions with your doctor.
The Avalus bioprosthesis, Mosaic bioprosthesis, Hancock II bioprosthesis, and Freestyle bioprosthesis have been evaluated in multi-center studies with more than 800 patient-years of clinical evidence. These studies looked at outcomes including death, blocking of the valve or blood vessel by blood clots, blood flowing in the wrong direction through or around the heart valve, infection, structural and nonstructural valve damage, whether the heart valve needed to be removed, and any problem with the heart valve that causes obstruction of blood circulation to the heart. The data from these studies has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the Avalus bioprosthesis, Mosaic bioprosthesis, Hancock II bioprosthesis, and Freestyle bioprosthesis.
The Avalus™ valve is an option for patients with aortic valve disease. The valve is made from cow heart (bovine pericardium) tissue.
The Freestyle™ heart valve is an option for patients with aortic valve disease. Like other Medtronic heart valves, the Freestyle heart valve is made from a pig (porcine) heart valve; however, unlike the other products, there is no frame used. Instead, the Freestyle valve is designed and implanted with the full pig (porcine) root from the pig. This further aids in the valve functioning like a human heart valve.
The Hancock™ II heart valve is another option for patients with aortic or mitral valve disease. The Hancock II bioprosthesis is also made from a pig (porcine) heart valve since the anatomy of the pig heart is similar to a human heart valve. The valve is attached to a flexible frame that helps the surgeon implant the valve in the heart.
The Mosaic™ heart valve is one option for patients with aortic or mitral valve disease. The Mosaic heart valve is made from the heart valve of a pig (porcine). A pig’s heart valve anatomy is similar to that of a human heart. In order to implant the valve in the heart, the tissue is mounted on a flexible frame.
The Medtronic Open Pivot™ aortic valved graft (AVG) combines a mechanical heart valve with a graft — a tube or conduit that replaces part of the aorta. The AVG is used when both the aortic heart valve and the aorta need to be reconstructed. The valve contains two half discs — called leaflets — that tilt to open and close with each heartbeat, regulating the flow of blood like your natural heart valve.
The Medtronic Open Pivot™ heart valve contains two half discs — called leaflets — that tilt to open and close with each heartbeat, regulating the flow of blood. The valve is surrounded by a polyester fabric ring, which the surgeon uses to attach the valve to the heart tissues.
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DISCLAIMER: The content of this document is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner. Nothing herein should be construed as a promotion or solicitation for an indication for any product which is not authorized by the laws and regulations of your country of residence. Responses to a treatment may vary from patient to patient. Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns about your health.