choosing mechanical or bioprosthetic heart valve

[leo923]

aortic valve needs replacing
cardiologist advised mechanical- so no re-opreration
surgeon said my choice- mechanical or bio
in europe there is transcatheter valve procedure to replace when tissue wears out- said surgeon
coumadin is scary-some say they do okay on it- i would have to change lifestyle
no other co-morbidities- am 53
would gp have any credible input?
need to decide quick while still have insurance
get other opinion from surgeon?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Bioprosthetic valves do not require coumadin but especially in your age group they wear out more quickly than mechanical valves. In selected centers in the US the placement of a special bioprosthetic valve is possible transluminally,but this is still in its infancy and not likely to be the standard of care for the next 5 years. It depends on your priorities: if not being on coumadin is more important than needing re-operation 4-5 years sooner then choose the BP. Otherwise choose the mechanical valve. Both have similar infectious rates.

[leo923]

so you are saying mechanical valve will last only 5 years longer than bioprosthetic?
concerned that coumadin may cause job loss, dont know if I could even tolerate it before even going on it health is more important than job,, but need income. so much I dont know about manageability of coumadin.