LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF ISOLATED MECHANICAL VERSUS BIOPROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT IN PROPENSITY MATCHED PATIENTS

Abstract

Prosthesis choice in mitral valve replacement (MVR) is often associated with age. Because of long-term durability, young patients often receive mechanical prostheses, whereas older patients often receive bioprostheses. However, in patients aged 55-75 years, optimal valve choice has not been definitively clarified. Previous studies comparing mechanical and bioprosthetic MVR have included large proportions of combined operations, wherein risks and benefits are influenced by concomitant procedures.