When a patient has an aortic valve that requires replacement because the native valve is diseased, 2 types of valves can be used – mechanical valves or bioprosthetic valves, also known as tissue valves. Bioprosthetic valves are less durable than mechanical values but generally do not require the long-term use of anticoagulation; they are often recommended in older patients. Mechanical valves require therapeutic anticoagulation because of the risk for valve thrombosis, a catastrophic and life-threatening complication.

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