Prosthetic heart valves.

Heart valve replacements improve symptoms and life expectancy but may have potential problems. Biological replacements have limited durability but do not require anticoagulation and are usually used for the relatively elderly. Mechanical valves have a virtually zero primary failure rate but require anticoagulation and are usually used for the relatively younger patient. Transcatheter valves are used for patients in whom conventional surgery is not technically feasible or who have significant comorbidities. This article discusses the management of patients after valve replacement and discusses future developments.