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.