Prosthetic heart valves

Abstract Over the last 40 years, there have been major advances in cardiac surgery, while progress in design and production has resulted in more durable and reliable prosthetic heart valves. As a result of these factors, heart valve replacement surgery is now common in developed countries. However, there is no perfect prosthetic heart valve. When selecting a valve for implantation, the advantages of each type must be weighed against its disadvantages. For example, mechanical valves have low rates of structural deterioration, but require the patient to be anticoagulated to avoid thromboembolic complications. This article describes the choice of prosthetic valves available, the relative benefits of each, and their durability and complications. Is also outlines the major indications and contraindications of each valve type and discusses appropriate valves for different groups of patients.