Study: On-X Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement Shows Mortality Benefit
By Adam Pick on May 30, 2012
Since launching this website, I’ve noticed a trend favoring tissue valves over mechanical valves. While patients are attracted to the durability of a mechanical valve replacement, it seems as if many patients — of all age categories — want a Coumadin-free life. Plus, the possibility of valve-in-valve procedures appears to be another key factor in their selection process.
However, a study published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, reported that the On-X mechanical heart valve replacement performed favorably to tissue valves. More specifically, the On-X valve offered the 172 patients in the study a mortality benefit 7.5 years after surgery.
Dr. Vinay Badhwar
Dr. Vinay Badhwar, who recently performed a successful surgery on Matthew Fountain, stated, “This study confirms that the use of the On-X valve with home INR monitoring can provide a combined better outcome (adverse events and mortality) than that achieved by tissue valves with this younger (under 65 years) patient group.”
As we have previously reported, the On-X mechanical heart valve replacement has been under investigation in the PROACT study which is examining whether or not this valve replacement device may require less or no Coumadin therapy after implant.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Randy Heimerl says on May 31st, 2012 at 2:42 pm |
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Hi. I have been in the On-X study now for 3years. I was 52 when I had my aortic valve replaced with the On-X valve. I was put in the low risk group and have been taking Plavix vs. Coumadin. I just got checked out with an echo and was told everything looks great. I feel great. I don’t have to do any INR testing. Sure I bruise more easily, but I have not altered my life style, which is very active, to any degree. |
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Matt Fountain says on May 31st, 2012 at 9:57 pm |
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That’s me and that’s my surgeon. Hard to believe it will be 1 year (1 week from today)! Feel great with my ON-X valve. Thanks for all the info Adam. Matt Fountain |
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Javier Salgado says on June 1st, 2012 at 1:54 pm |
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I’ve had my ON-X Valve since June 2010, when will we find out if Coumadin is or is not needed? When will this study conclude? Anybody? Thank you. |
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Randy Heimerl says on June 1st, 2012 at 5:43 pm |
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I believe the study will go at least 2 more yrs. At one time they talked about extending it, but I have not heard anymore on that. The study has been very positive so far, producing good results. I know I will not have to go on Coumadin as I will continue on Plavix. I am not sure how the rest of you will be handled. Go to the On-X Proact Website, there may be a number to call with more info. |
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Javier Salgado says on June 3rd, 2012 at 5:27 pm |
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Thank you Randy. |
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Rick says on June 6th, 2012 at 11:34 am |
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I have an On-X aortic valve and am part of the PROACT study. I was 51 in July 2009 when my surgeon, Richard Cook, performed the surgery. My body doesn’t respond to plavix, so I’m in the group which takes warfarin. I have a home INR monitor and it’s been smooth sailing all along. Proud to be part of an important and ground-breaking study. |
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David L. Mooney says on July 25th, 2012 at 11:14 pm |
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Mitral Valve replaced with ON_X August 10 2009, Surgeon wants INR 2-3, Self Check at home.Doing well. |
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Darrell Rowbury says on August 9th, 2013 at 9:49 am |
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I recently had an Aortic valve replacement utilizing the On x mechanical valve. I have been told that is has a leak back into the heart. I have also been told that this will not be a problem and will not need to be fixed. Do you have information concerning this sort of a situation. |
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Adam Pick says on August 9th, 2013 at 11:59 am |
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Hi Darrell, Check out this video about murmurs (leaky valves) after heart surgery: I hope that helps! |
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drivetopless says on September 21st, 2017 at 11:34 am |
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Hi, All- |
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