Risk of stroke following valve replacement surgery

Abstract

Stroke is a significant complication following cardiac valve surgery. The risk of stroke is governed by a number of variables including location of the valve (mitral versus aortic), adequacy of anticoagulation, presence of atrial fibrillation, and patient comorbidities. Interestingly, the risk of thromboembolism appears equal regardless of whether the prosthesis is a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve.