Bioprosthetic heart valves offer several advantages over mechanical valves, the most important being freedom from the need for anticoagulation and a low rate of thromboembolic events. Pericardial bioprosthetic valves are known to have hemodynamic performance superior to porcine valves, and the excellent hemodynamic performance of pericardial valves is particularly relevant in patients with a small aortic root. However, long-term durability continues to be the main concern with use of pericardial valves. Although the first generation pericardial valves were withdrawn from the market due to poor durability, further research has indicated that structural failure of early pericardial valves was due to tissue preparation techniques and design failure rather than the pericardial tissue.The unique desing of the Mitroflow Aortic Heart Valve may provide superior hemodynamic performance over other tissue valves.
