Conclusions
The inflammatory process present after AVR is chronic and
multifactorial. OPN and ET-1 are increased in mechanical prostheses.
There are no differences in durability and prosthetic dysfunction;
however, the increase in IL-1β and ET-1 is associated with a greater
risk of prosthetic valve dysfunction regardless of prosthetic valve
type. Factors such as age, gender, inflammatory status, and type of
prosthetic material influence long-term dysfunction.