Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of the sounds of different types of mechanical mitral valves on the quality of life (QoL) of patients at different follow-up times. METHODS: We collected data from 150 patients who underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement. Three time points were assessed, including at discharge, the third postoperative month (POM3), and the twelfth postoperative month (POM12). The SF-36 and a self-questionnaire were used to assess the QoL. RESULTS: Regarding the SF-36 scores, the ATS valve was superior to the Sorin and SJM valves in terms of some items. Moreover, the scores at discharge of all three mechanical valve groups were lower than those at POM3 and POM12. For the self-questionnaire scores, with the increase in postoperative time, the number of patients affected by the mechanical valve sounds decreased gradually. Considering the relevant influencing factors, older women were more likely to be affected by the valve sounds than were younger individuals and men. CONCLUSION: The overall postoperative QoL improved for patients who underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement. In the comparative study, the impact of the ATS valve was better than those of the Sorin and SJM valves, but this difference gradually disappeared over time.