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Mitral Valve Replacement Research Paper

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Mitral valve replacement is surgical replacement of the mitral valve. Many mitral valves can be repaired, especially if they leak from wearing out. When the valve is too damaged to repair, the valve must be replaced. Valves damaged by rheumatic disease often must be replaced. An artificial (prosthetic) valve is used to do this. Three types of prosthetic valves are available:
Mechanical valves made entirely from man-made materials.
Donor valves made from human donors. These are only used in special situations.
Biological valves made from animal tissues.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:

Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
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However, as with any procedure, complications can occur. Possible complications include:
Blood clotting caused by the new valve. Replacement with a mechanical valve requires lifelong treatment with medicine to prevent blood clots.
Infection in the new valve. Infection is more common with valve replacement than with valve repair.
Valve failure. Valve failure is more common with valve replacement than with valve repair. Pig heart valves tend to fail after about 8 to 10 years.
Effects from the surgery itself, such as bleeding, infection, and risks of anesthesia. These risks are rare.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

You may need to have blood tests, a test to check heart rhythm (electrocardiography), or echocardiography to evaluate your heart valves and the blood flow through them.
Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines.
Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the surgery. Ask your health care provider if it is okay to take any needed medicines with a sip of water.
Do not smoke for as long as possible before the surgery. Smoking can increase the chances of a healing problem after surgery.
PROCEDURE

There are two types of mitral valve replacement

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