Q: What materials are used in a St. Judes aortic valve, and how long is it expected to last?

A:St. Judes prosthetic valve is a mechanical valve. The materials used for the valve are a Titanium casing, Pyrolite carbon discs and and a Teflon sewing ring. If proper care regarding anti-coagulation and bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis is taken, this valve can last a lifetime.