Prosthetic valves

Question 1

What scar will commonly be seen if patients have had a valve replacement?

Answer 1

Midline sternocotomy scar

less commonly lateral thoracotomy

Question 2

What lifespan do bioprosthetic valves have?

Answer 2

around 10 years

Question 3

What is the lifespan of mechanical valves?

Answer 3

well over 20 years

but require lifelong anticoagulation

Question 4

What is the target INR range for a mechanical valve?

Answer 4

2.5-3.5

Question 5

Name 3 types of mechanical heart valves

Answer 5

Starr-edwards valve
Tilting disk valve
St Jude valve

Question 6

What are the major complications of mechanical valves?

Answer 6

Thrombus formation
Infective endocarditis
Haemolysis

Question 7

Which heart sound does a metallic mitral valve replace with a click?

Answer 7

S1

Question 8

Which heart sound does a metallic aortic valve replace with a click?

Answer 8

S2

Question 9

What organisms usually cause endocarditis?

Answer 9

Gram positive cocci
Staphylococcus
Streptococcus
Enterococcus