Mechanical cardiac valves have an excellent long-term durability that can approach 20 years or more depending on the type of valve used. There are no specific statistics on the durability of each type of valve because of heterogenous surgical expertise and patient characteristics. In the year after valve replacement surgery, there is the highest risk of valve failure from poor surgical technique or infection. The two things that he can do to best prolong the durability of his valve is to have his anticoagulation with coumadin monitored closely and to take antibiotics before all dental and invasive procedures to prevent valve infections. I hope you find this information useful.
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