Estimated 95,000 valve procedures performed in the U.S. in 2003.
15 years after aortic valve replacement there is a better survival with a mechanical than with a bioprosthetic valve.
Primary valve failure is greater with bioprosthetic valves versus mechanical valves, both for aortic and mitral valve and occurs at a much higher rate in those <65 years of age.
Primary valve failure for mechanical and prosthetic valve are the same for aortic valve replacements in patients over the age of 65 years.
Reoperation is more common in aortic valve replacement with bioprosthesis than with mechanical replacement.
Thromboembolism rate is similar in mechanical and prosthetic valve replacement, but bleeding rate is more common with mechanical valves.
Mechanical versus bioprosthetic replacement valves associated with comparable long-term survival but higher risk complications from bioprosthetic valves at 10 years.