Introduction:

The modifications in the structural / functional features of replacement valves have led to an increase the survival curves of the patients. This can be seen in the reduction in morbidity and mortality rates after the surgical intervention of the cardiac valves, as well as the substantial changes in the cost-effectivity and cost-benefit ratio of these procedures.

Objective:

To determine the survival of patients over 60 years of age with a biological valve replacement.

Materials and methods:

A review of follow-up published studies that evaluated the survival of patients subjected to a valve replacement. A search was made of the scientific articles registered in the PubMed databases, using the selected descriptors as Key words: Heart Valve Prosthesis, Bioprosthesis, Survival, in the references management program-EndNote. The strength of the scientific evidence in each of the selected articles was assessed using the McMaster scale for quantitative studies.

Results:

A total of 12 references were found and 5 (41.7%) were discarded, and 7 (58.3%) had an overall “strong” score with the McMaster scale. The mean follow-up time was 13.7 years, and the male ratio was 1:0.8. The mean age of the patients was 67.2 (range: 60.0-78.5) years. The mean survival rate at 10 years was 65%.

Conclusions:

A higher survival was observed between the patients fitted with a mechanical versus a biological valve. However, the literature has established the use of a biological replacement valve as a reasonable option in patients over 60 years of age. It is also recognised that more studies are needed that can corroborate the findings.

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