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Study: On-X Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement Shows Mortality Benefit

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 8, 2025

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.

On-X Mecahnical Heart Valve With White Background

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 was under investigation in the PROACT Clinical Trial which examined whether or not the On-X valve replacement device required less or no Coumadin therapy after implant. To see the results of that clinical trial, please visit "Surgeon Q&A: Are Coumadin Requirements Being Lowered for the On-X Mechanical Valve Replacement?".

Keep on tickin!
Adam

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Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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