The typical duration of a porcine valve is 10-15 years, but is less in someone with renal failure that is not relieved with transplantation. I would need specific information from her echocardiograms and her clinical symptoms to comment on the type of valve that is best suited for her, so I recommend that you speak to her cardiologist and cardiac surgeon about this issue. The other alternative is for your mother to come to Cleveland Clinic for an evaluation since our cardiac surgeons are among the best valve surgeons in the world. Overall, the goal is to prepare your mother for the kidney transplant so that she will have the best expected long-term outcome from a transplant. I hope this information is useful.
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