- Mechanical Heart Valves: Made from durable materials such as titanium or carbon, these valves are designed to last a long time. Consist of a cage-like structure with leaflets that open and close to regulate blood flow.
- Bioprosthetic Heart Valves: These valves are made from animal tissues (usually pig or cow) and treated to prevent rejection. They mimic the structure and function of a natural heart valve. They may be stented or non-stented.
- Ross Procedure: In this surgical procedure, a patient's own pulmonary valve is used to replace the diseased aortic valve, and a donor valve is then used to replace the pulmonary valve.
Emerging Technologies:
- 3D-Printed Valves: Research is ongoing into 3D printing technologies to create custom-fit valves tailored to individual patient anatomies, potentially improving outcomes and reducing complications.
- Bioengineered Valves: Advances in tissue engineering are leading to the development of bioengineered valves that aim to mimic natural valve function while providing the benefits of both mechanical and bioprosthetic options.