Mechanical valves improve survival in middle-aged patients

In a propensity-matched analysis of the national database of Sweden, Glaser et al found that survival among patients aged 50-69 who underwent aortic valve replacement was significantly better in those receiving a mechanical versus biological valves. In a subgroup analysis this was evident in patients aged 50-59 but not in those aged 60-69. These results are crucial in the current era in which surgeons lower the age cut-off for implanting bioprosthetic valves.