Ersatzklappen

Ersatzklappen (prosthetic heart valves) are artificial valves used to replace a diseased native valve. They can be implanted surgically or via transcatheter techniques. They are designed to restore unidirectional blood flow and to treat stenosis or regurgitation.

Mechanical Ersatzklappen (mechanical valves) are made from durable materials such as pyrolytic carbon. Common designs include bileaflet and tilting-disc valves. They are highly durable, often lasting decades, but carry a risk of thromboembolism, which typically requires lifelong anticoagulation.

Bioprosthetische Ersatzklappen (bioprosthetic valves) use animal tissue (porcine or bovine) or human donor tissue. They generally do not require long-term anticoagulation, but their durability is limited by degeneration, typically about 10–20 years depending on age and valve position.

Indications include replacement of diseased aortic or mitral valves; tricuspid and pulmonic replacements are less common. The choice between mechanical and bioprosthetic valves depends on patient factors such as age, comorbidity, and willingness to take anticoagulants. Transkatheter valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) provides a less invasive option in selected patients.

Complications may include prosthetic valve dysfunction (stenosis or regurgitation), thromboembolism or bleeding with anticoagulation, endocarditis, and paravalvular leaks. Follow-up with echocardiography is standard to monitor valve function.