Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Prosthetic valve regurgitation
Introduction
Prosthetic valve regurgitation
- Bioprosthetic valve degeneration can result in regurgitation due to leaflet calcification and noncoaptation or leaflet degeneration with a tear or
perforation.
- Even in asymptomatic patients with severe bioprosthetic regurgitation, valve replacement is reasonable because of the risk of sudden
clinical deterioration if further leaflet tearing occurs. The increased risk of a repeat operation must always be taken into consideration.
- The type of valve prosthesis and method of replacement selected for a patient undergoing reoperation depend on the same factors as those for patients
undergoing a first valve replacement.