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. Up • 52.
