On-X aortic valve is an excellent choice for patients who are suffering from aortic valve diseases. Such patients require replacement of the valve to ensure proper functionality of the body and lead a healthy life. The need for replacement arises only when the symptoms faced by a patient worsens over a period.
Material of On-X Valve and Its Advantage
Using On-X valve is a better option than the conventional mechanical valves or tissue aortic valves because of the use of advanced material – pyrolytic carbon. With the use of the advanced material, it is possible to prevent the side effects that develop with the use of the mechanical valves. The significant advantage that the patient receives is the form of a reduction in the use of blood thinning medicines such as warfarin.
Why Use On-X Valve?
Although tissue aortic valves are a reasonable replacement for the damaged aortic valve in a patient, choosing On-X valve is a better option. It is due to shorter lifespan offered by the tissue valve. The lifespan of an aortic tissue valve is 15 years, and therefore, doctors recommend its use only for elderly patients.
For younger patients, opting for On-X valve is a better option, as they have a long way to go ahead in life. Using tissue valve in such cases is not advisable because the patient will require another surgery after 10 or so years depending on the lifestyle and other factors. In such cases, it will be difficult for the patient to survive, as the risks involved are high. By using the On-X valve, the surgeon reduces the risks and helps the patient lead a healthy life.
On-X Valve Design
The research of On-X valve came up in the time when surgeons and doctors were exploring other options to the traditional mechanical and tissue aortic valves. The new design and use of advanced material helped in reducing the growth of anticoagulants. The design resembles that of a butterfly and has two half-circles that act as the opening and closing valves. The unique inlet flare helps in increasing the blood flow. Due to the use of pure carbon and smooth finishing, the chances for development of blood clots sees a considerable reduction.
Approval
On-X valves received approval from the FDA and implanted safely in a little over 200,000 patients across the globe. Due to the less anticoagulation property, surgeons prefer the use of the valve for younger patients diagnosed with aortic valve disease. The On-X also reduced the intake of warfarin dose to INR 1.50-2.0 with a reduction of 45% in internal bleeding events. The cut helps in reducing the chances for the occurrence of a stroke. All these properties associated with the On-X valve make it the chosen lifelong aortic valve replacement option.
The Need for Replacement
The need for replacement of an aortic valve arises due to coagulation by cholesterol and high blood pressure values, and other underlying conditions. In a few cases, doctors report the presence as a family inheritance. Regardless of the reason, when there is damage to the valve, it becomes difficult for several organs to function appropriately, as they do not receive proper blood flow.
A person experiencing the following symptoms will need an immediate diagnosis to confirm the presence of aortic valve disease:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Numbness
- Losing consciousness.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a damaged aortic valve is possible with the help of X-ray, echocardiogram, MRI scan, and CT scan. The results obtained will help the doctor to understand the situation.
- On-X Life Technologies – On-X Valve: https://www.onxlti.com/on-x-valve/
- Mayo Clinic – Aortic Valve Repair: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/aortic-valve-repair/about/pac-20384961
- Cleveland Clinic – Aortic Valve Replacement: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17659-aortic-valve-replacement
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