[strangattractor]

It is related to age. If your immune system is on the decline as it generally is as we age it doesn't do as much damage to the bioprosthetic valves and they last much longer. The controversy revolves around just what that age is. When my surgery was done I was in that gray zone 59. The first surgeon I spoke with was adamant about using the mechanical valve. The next surgeon I spoke with was more like I can see arguments both ways.

I am fairly active. I chose the bio because I knew I would have trouble regulating the thinners. The tissue is chemically treated in the newer valves to increase their life span (maybe). When I get this valve replaced they can insert the new valve within the old using TAVR which doesn't require them to open your chest. If my valve last long enough I figure they will have new better ones using carbon synthetics.[1]

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9967268/