Question

Valve Replacement (bioprosthetic vs mechanical) - Who gets anticoagulents? a) Patients with bioprosthetic valves

b) Patients with mechanical valves
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answer 1

Patients with mechanical valves are prescribed anticoagulants, while patients with bioprosthetic valves may or may not require them.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of anticoagulants (blood thinners) after valve replacement surgery depends on the type of valve used.

Patients with mechanical valves are at a higher risk for blood clots and are typically prescribed lifelong anticoagulation therapy. This is because the mechanical valves are made of materials that can trigger clot formation. Commonly used anticoagulants for these patients include warfarin and aspirin.

In contrast, patients with bioprosthetic valves usually do not require long-term anticoagulation therapy because these valves are made from biological tissue (such as animal tissue) and have a lower risk of clot formation. However, for the first few months after surgery, patients with bioprosthetic valves may still be prescribed anticoagulants to prevent clotting.