Heart Valve Prosthesis refers to a medical device designed to replace a dysfunctional or damaged heart valve. The human heart consists of four valves, namely the aortic valve, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, and pulmonary valve, which ensure the unidirectional flow of blood. However, in cases of heart valve disease or failure due to congenital defects, infection, or age-related degeneration, the affected valve may need to be replaced with a prosthetic valve.
A heart valve prosthesis serves as an artificial substitute for the faulty valve, permitting normal blood circulation and preventing the backflow of blood. There are two main types of heart valve prostheses: mechanical valves and biological valves. Mechanical valves are typically constructed from durable materials, such as titanium or carbon, and are designed to be long-lasting. However, they may require lifelong anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots since the body's natural clotting mechanisms can be triggered by the mechanical nature of these valves.
On the other hand, biological valves are made from animal tissue or harvested from human cadavers. They are usually less durable than mechanical valves but have the advantage of not necessitating long-term anticoagulation therapy. Bioprosthetic valves may deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, necessitating future replacements.
Heart valve prostheses can be implanted through open-heart surgery or less invasive procedures like transcatheter techniques. The choice of prosthesis depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, age, lifestyle, and the specific condition being treated. In either case, the goal is to restore proper heart function, alleviate symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life.
