Prosthetic valve regurgitation

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.