Mitroflow heart valves have been tested in a 1.5 and a 3.0 Tesla MRI system for excessive heating and displacement. Displacement did not occur and heat effects were negligible. Some image distortion can occur in the vicinity of the valve.
FAQ
For Heart Valve Patients
- 41. Can patients with Sorin Group biological heart valves have MRI procedures performed?
- 42. Can I resterilize a Sorin Group Biological Valve?
- 43. Can I pass a catheter through a Sorin Group Biological Valve?
- 44. Can a prosthetic mechanical or tissue heart valve be fixed if it wears out?
- 45. Will my valve cause a metal detector at the airport to go off ??
- 46. Will my valve be damaged by strong emotional responses ?
- 47. Will my heart valve be affected by computer tomography?
- 48. Will bungee jumping affect my valve ? ... SCUBA diving ? ... carnival rides ?
- 49. Will a tanning bed affect my valve ?
- 50. What are the potential complications associated with a mechanical valve?
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41.
Can patients with Sorin Group biological heart valves have MRI procedures performed?
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42.
Can I resterilize a Sorin Group Biological Valve?
No. Sorin Group Biological Valves are for SINGLE USE ONLY and must not be resterilized.
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43.
Can I pass a catheter through a Sorin Group Biological Valve?
Passing a catheter through the valve is not recommended because the catheter can cause damage to the valve that may or may not be immediately apparent. With prosthetic devices, the catheter will also induce regurgitation and alter haemodynamic. With tissue valves, this does not happen to a significant degree - transvalvular manipulation of a catheter may be done, if necessary, in order to assess transvalvular pressure gradients.
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44.
Can a prosthetic mechanical or tissue heart valve be fixed if it wears out?
A mechanical valve is expected to exceed the patient's life expectancy. Bioprosthetic valves can wear out. If this occurs, the valve must be replaced.
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45.
Will my valve cause a metal detector at the airport to go off ??
No, but in times of increased security it is wise to carry your valve implant card.
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46.
Will my valve be damaged by strong emotional responses ?
No, your valve will not be affected by your emotional condition.
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47.
Will my heart valve be affected by computer tomography?
No. Computer Tomography (CT) uses precision x-rays to produce high-quality images of organs. X-rays will not damage any of the Sorin Group products.
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48.
Will bungee jumping affect my valve ? ... SCUBA diving ? ... carnival rides ?
No. Mechanical valves are extremely durable. In fact, there has not been one occurrence of post-surgical mechanical structural failure in over 30 years of clinical experience. -
49.
Will a tanning bed affect my valve ?
No. A valve is not affected by ultra-violet rays, even if the rays could penetrate that deeply into your tissue.
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50.
What are the potential complications associated with a mechanical valve?
The potential complications for a mechanical valve include thrombosis, clots that stick to the valve; thromboembolism, clots that escape and travel downstream; endocarditis, an infection of the valve and surrounding tissue; paravalvular leaks, holes that appear outside the flow region of the valve; and internal bleeding caused by excessive anticoagulation. The incidence of all these complications is very low.