The Medtronic Mosaic is often referred to as the "Cadillac of tissue valves," and is the most expensive in the US. It's an actual valve, rather than a fabricated one. It has both an anti calcification treatment to help delay and slow the recalcification process and a pressure-free fixation technique that reduces damage to the valve tissue during processing, so it maintains its maximum strength, flexibility, and resistance to casual protective calcifcation.
That being said, it has not been in production for twenty years, so the statement that it will last for that long, while quite feasible in someone at least in their fifties, is technically conjecture. Its forebears averaged fifteen to eighteen years of service without the special treatements, which adds further reasonability to the claim.
I have that valve myself, and it has served me well for the last four+ years, although my aortic transvalvular pressure is extemely high (not the fault of the valve), which logically should shorten its service time quite significantly. An echo two weeks ago revealed no leaks or misfunctions of the valve.
The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount series does have proof of that kind of longevity, with its manufactured valve made of cow pericardium. It's certainly at least on a par with the Medtronic offering.
When present, inflammation is usually in the tissues surrounding the heart, rather than at the implantation site (unless it's related to infection). As such, the valve itself is rarely a direct player in that issue. Some hearts don't take well to being monkeyed with, and can remain inflamed or collect fluids for months after surgery. Fortunately, it doesn't commonly last that long, although there are others on the forums currently who share similar longer-term problems.
Unfortunately, it seems that you're one of the exceptions. I'm sorry you're still having issues with that almost four months later. The likelihood is still that your irritation will also clear up sooner rather than later. I would assume they're trying steroids for it?
Should you need another valve in your lifetime, be aware that most people who've been through the experience multiple times say that each subsequent surgery is different, so there's no saying you'll have a repeat of this event.
A link to information about your valve:
http://www.medtronic.com/cardsurgery/products/mosaic_index.html
Best wishes,
.
