FAQ

For Heart Valve Patients
  • 51. What are the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves ?

    The advantage of a mechanical heart valve is its durability. It will last throughout the patient's lifetime and will not usually require replacement. Patients are required to take anticoagulation (blood-thinning) medication because of the possibility that the materials used to make mechanical valves could cause blood clots to form. Patients must closely monitor their anticoagulation levels to assure that it is within guidelines set by physicians. Home testing of blood anticoagulation levels is available, enabling patients to take an active role in their medication routine.

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  • 52. What are my options in heart valve replacement ?

    When a patient needs a heart valve replacement, two types are available, mechanical and tissue. Tissue valves are made of either cow (bovine) tissue or pig (porcine) tissue. Mechanical valves are made from materials such as ceramic-coated graphite, metal, or plastics.

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  • 53. What are mechanical heart valves?

    Most mechanical heart valves are made from a graphite base coated with a biocompatible ceramic-like material. Some are made with metal and/or plastics. Most consist of an outer ring with either one or two movable leaflets inside that open and close to control the flow of blood.

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  • 54. Is my valve affected by X-rays, artificial sunlight (UVA) or microwave ovens?

    No. Your own tissues are much more vulnerable to these energy sources than the valve components are.

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  • 55. Is my SOrin Group valve affected by high power transmission lines ? ... powerful electric motors ?

    No. These electrical and magnetic fields are too weak to significantly heat or displace the valve or annuloplasty ring.

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  • 56. Is it possible that I will be allergic to the materials in the Sorin Group mechanical heart valve?

    It is very unlikely. However, if you suspect that you might be allergic to polyester, titanium, or nitinol, you should discuss it with your surgeon who may arrange for testing prior to your surgery.

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  • 57. I have a mechanical valve, tissue valve or ring implant, should I be concerned about infection during a dental visit ...

    I have a mechanical valve, tissue valve or ring implant, should I be concerned about infection during a dental visit for a cleaning or other procedure?

    Valve patients undergoing ANY dental procedure should be considered for prophylactic treatment. Please consult your physician about this prior to visiting a dentist.

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  • 58. I am a young woman planning to become a mother. Which valve should I get?

    Anticoagulation is the main issue for expectant mothers with mechanical valves. Coumadin, the anticoagulant most commonly used with mechanical heart valves, crosses the placental barrier and can harm the baby. In addition, pregnant women on Coumadin are more likely to experience adverse bleeding incidents. During pregnancy, women with mechanical valves are usually taken off Coumadin and placed on an anticoagulant like Heparin. Heparin does not cross the placental barrier, but requires frequent injections and is somewhat less effective than Coumadin. A bioprosthesis made from the pericardium of a cow (pericardial valve) or a valve explanted from a pig (porcine valve) does not require anticoagulation and is therefore generates a much lower risk for mother and baby. The durability of a bioprosthesis is considerably less than that of a mechanical valve, so reoperation is inevitable. However, the bioprosthesis should outlast your primary childbearing years so that, at the time of reoperation, the mother can select a mechanical valve if she desires.

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  • 59. Can I have an MRI examination?

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Mitroflow
    Non-clinical testing has demonstrated that the Mitroflow valve is MR Conditional. It can be scanned safely under the following conditions:

    • Static magnetic field of 3.0 Tesla or less
    • Spatial gradient field of 525 Gauss/cm or less
    • Maximum whole-body-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.5 W/kg for 20 minutes of scanning.

    In non-clinical testing, the Mitroflow valve produced a temperature rise of less than 0.8°C at a maximum whole body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.5 W/kg for 20 minutes of MR scanning in a 1.5 Tesla, Model Signa MR scanner from GE Medical System, Milwaukee, WI.

    MR image quality may be compromised if the area of interest is in the exact same area or relatively close to the position of the Mitroflow valve. Therefore, it may be necessary to optimize MR imaging parameters to compensate for the presence of this implant.

    For more information about Sorin heart valves, ask your doctor or email our patient care representatives

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  • 60. Will I need a special identification card or bracelet?

    A special wallet card will be provided after surgery that you should carry with you at all times, and is especially important if you are on anticoagulation medication. If you choose, you can order a medical identification bracelet or necklace from your local jeweler or pharmacy.

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