Sometimes your arteries are fine, but
your valves have some trouble spots. The main job of the heart is to
pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. To do this, it pumps 60-90
times per minute – for a total of more than 42 million heartbeats per
year! The heart consists of four chambers: The two upper receiving
chambers are called atria; the lower pumping chambers are the
ventricles. Because the ventricles do the hard work of pumping blood
through the body, they are larger than the atria.
Heart valves direct the flow of blood
between the chambers of the heart. These valves are like one-way doors,
allowing the blood to flow forward to the next chamber.
For more
information about the function of heart valves, >>
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Often your surgeon will want to repair
damage to your valve if possible. However, if this not possible, your
surgeon will replace the valve to maximize your well being. The first
valve replacement surgery was performed in 1962. Since then, there have
been many advances in prosthetic valve design, as well as in surgical
techniques. Today, valve replacement is one of the most common heart
surgeries performed at major heart centers throughout the country. Many
different types of prosthetic valves are now available. These are either
biological or mechanical. Biological valves are made from the tissue of
a cow or pig or cadaver (homograft). Mechanical valves are made of
titanium and pyrolytic carbon. The outside of the valve is surrounded by
a white polyester cuff, which is used to attach the valve to your own
heart tissue.
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When selecting the appropriate valve for
your condition, your physicians will weigh many complex factors. These
include age, disease process, heart size, as well as the ability and
willingness to take certain medicines. For example, tissue replacement
valves typically require you to take aspirin, an
"anticoagulant," which helps prevent blood clotting.
Mechanical valves require you to take a "blood thinner" called
"Coumadin." Your wishes and feelings may also impact the type
of valve that is selected
