B. Aspirin – Explanation
Prosthetic heart valves – antithrombotic therapy:
- bioprosthetic: aspirin
- mechanical: warfarin + aspirin
Prosthetic heart valves
The most common valves which need replacing are the aortic and mitral valve. There are two main
options for replacement: biological (bioprosthetic) or mechanical.
| Biological (bioprosthetic) valves | Mechanical valves |
| Usually bovine or porcine in origin
Major disadvantage is structural deterioration and calcification Long-term anticoagulation not usually needed. Warfarin may |
The most common type now implanted is the bileaflet valve. Ball-andcage valves are rarely used nowadaysMechanical valves have a low failure rate Major disadvantage is the increased risk of thrombosis Target INR
|
Following the 2008 NICE guidelines for prophylaxis of endocarditis antibiotics are no longer
recommended for common procedures such as dental work.
