BIOPROSTHETIC DEVICES

Mechanical aortic valves may be preferable in younger patients needing replacement

The researchers reviewed data on nearly 110,000 patients who underwent surgical replacement of aortic valves between the ages of 40 and 79. They found that in those aged 60 or younger, mechanical valves were independently associated with a lower risk of death from any cause over the next 12 years, compared with bioprosthetic devices from animals such as pigs or cows.