A tissue valve will last only 8 to 15 years.

That's because you are young enough that you probably would live longer than a tissue valve would last.

If you choose a tissue valve, you will need to take blood thinners for only a few months after surgery.

If you are 60 or younger, you may outlive a tissue valve and need another.

I am young enough that I would outlive a tissue valve.

I am older than 65, so a tissue valve will probably last the rest of my life.

My doctor says that tissue valves also can become hardened in younger people.

We agreed that because I'm 72, a tissue valve would be fine.

So a tissue valve is a better option for me.

Valve calcification is known to have taken place in all types of tissue valves.