[Surgical treatment of aortic stenosis: which prosthesis for which patient?]

The long-term evolution following aortic valve replacement depends on the specific clinical context for each patient, but also on the type of prosthesis used. The increased hemorrhagic risk with mechanical prosthesis has to be weighed against the long-term risk of structural failure of bioprostheses. The patient's age will be a key determinant in the choice of the best suited prosthesis. Usually, bioprostheses are preferred after 70 years of age, while mechanical prostheses are chosen in patients under 65.