Mechanical Heart Valves in Pregnancy: Navigating the High Risk of Thrombosis and the Biological Valve Advantage

Biological valves offer a significantly higher chance of an uncomplicated pregnancy with a live birth (79%) compared to mechanical valves (54%).
Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) regimens were associated with the highest frequency of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications.
A prosthetic valve in the mitral position is a potent predictor for valve thrombosis, carrying an odds ratio of 3.3.
Fetal death remains a critical concern, occurring in 20% of all pregnancies involving prosthetic heart valves.