Types of Artificial Heart Valves: Differences, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Heart valve replacement surgery is one of the treatment options for heart valve disease, a condition in which one or more of the heart’s four valves fail to function properly. The four heart valves—the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves—play an essential role in ensuring blood flows in the correct direction through the heart so it can effectively pump blood throughout the body.

In some cases, a damaged heart valve can still be repaired. However, if the damage is severe, the doctor may recommend heart valve replacement surgery using an artificial heart valve. Different types of artificial heart valves have distinct characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important for patients to understand the differences between each type so they can discuss the available options with their doctor and choose the one that best suits their medical condition.

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Types of Artificial Heart Valves

Artificial heart valves are used to replace damaged heart valves so that normal blood flow can be restored. In general, artificial heart valves are divided into two main categories: biological valves and mechanical valves.

1. Biological Valve

A biological valve, also known as a tissue valve or bioprosthetic valve, is made from animal tissue, such as bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) tissue, or from donated human tissue (homograft). Some biological valves also contain synthetic components to improve their strength and durability.

Advantages of biological valves:

Lifelong blood-thinning medication is generally not required unless the patient has another medical condition that necessitates it.
Lower risk of blood clot formation on the valve compared to mechanical valves.
Does not produce a “clicking” sound when the valve opens and closes.

Disadvantages of biological valves:

Has a limited lifespan because the valve may gradually degenerate over time.
Typically needs to be replaced after approximately 10–20 years, meaning some patients may require another surgery in the future.

2. Mechanical Valve

Mechanical valves are made from durable materials such as metal or carbon. The most commonly used type is the bileaflet mechanical valve, which consists of two carbon leaflets mounted on a fabric-covered ring.

Advantages of mechanical valves:

Extremely durable and can last a lifetime in many patients.
Less likely to deteriorate, reducing the likelihood of repeat valve replacement surgery.

Disadvantages of mechanical valves:

Requires lifelong use of blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin, to prevent blood clot formation.
Requires regular blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy.
Some patients may hear a soft “clicking” sound when the valve opens and closes, although this is generally harmless.

Factors That Determine the Type of Heart Valve

When selecting the most appropriate heart valve, a cardiac surgeon will consider several factors, including:

The patient’s age.
The long-term risks associated with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin.
The possibility of requiring another surgery in the future if a biological valve deteriorates.
The patient’s overall health condition, including any underlying medical conditions.
The patient’s personal preferences after understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of artificial heart valve.

Minimally Invasive MICS Heart Valve Surgery by dr. Wirya at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

dr. Wirya Ayu Graha, Sp.BTKV, Subsp. JD(K)

At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, heart valve replacement surgery is performed by dr. Wirya A. Graha, Sp.BTKV, Subsp. JD(K) using the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) technique, which involves a small incision without cutting through the breastbone. This technique is an option for patients who require heart valve replacement for various reasons, including severe valve damage caused by infection that can no longer be repaired.

One of the cases treated by dr. Wirya involved a patient whose heart valve had been severely damaged by infection. The infection caused the valve to leak, preventing it from functioning properly. As a result, the patient experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent fever, and had a history of stroke.

According to dr. Wirya, the infection affecting the patient’s heart valve was too severe for the valve to be preserved.

“The patient’s heart valve was damaged, leaking, and infected. There was abnormal material on the heart valve that shouldn’t have been there, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent fever, and a previous history of stroke,” explained dr. Wirya.

Because the valve damage was extensive, the surgical team decided to replace the damaged valve with a biological valve made from bovine tissue. The procedure was performed using the MICS technique through a small 5–6 cm incision on the right side of the chest without cutting the breastbone, allowing for a faster recovery compared to conventional open-heart surgery.

“If the valve is severely damaged due to infection, we replace it with an animal tissue valve. We perform the procedure through a small incision using the MICS technique, only 5–6 cm on the right side of the chest, without cutting the breastbone, allowing patients to recover more quickly,” added dr. Wirya.

The biological valve used in the procedure offers excellent durability and can last up to approximately 25 years. Another key advantage is that patients generally do not need lifelong blood-thinning medication, unlike those who receive mechanical heart valves.

The surgery, performed by dr. Wirya together with the multidisciplinary team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, took approximately three hours. After the new valve was implanted, the surgical team confirmed that there was no leakage and that the valve was properly positioned and functioning optimally. Once the patient’s condition stabilized, the patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring and was expected to be discharged approximately five to six days after surgery.

dr. Wirya A. Graha, Sp.BTKV, Subsp. JD(K) is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:

Tuesday: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
Thursday: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (WIB).

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store, to schedule appointments, view queue numbers, and access other useful information.

The information provided on this page is intended for educational and general informational purposes only and does not represent the full range of medical services that may be provided by each doctor. To receive treatment tailored to your specific health condition, please consult the relevant physician directly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.