Aortic valve replacement. When damaged, the aortic valve usually cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Aortic valve replacement is done with either a tissue or a mechanical valve, depending on your age, your disease, and your willingness to take anticoagulation medicines. Tissue valves come from a pig, from a cow, or from a human. These valves are very similar to your own valve and because your own body accepts them well, you will not require long term blood-thinning medication. The disadvantage of tissue valves, however, is that they are less durable than either our own valves or mechanical valves. Mechanical valves are more durable but are not natural, and they may cause blood clots to form. Because of that possibility, people who have mechanical valves require blood-thinning medication for the rest of their lives to prevent blood clots.
