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Mitral valve replacement is necessary when a person's heart valves are no longer able to function properly. The most common way of performing a valve replacement is through open heart surgery. The two types of valves that can be used are mechanical valves and biological valves, both have pros and cons.  Valve replacement is most commonly used when the patient is not eligible for a heart transplant and a valve replacement can extend there lifespan. The setbacks of valve replacement include; risks of surgery, need to take blood thinner, replacement in 5-10 years, and constant need to acknowledge that your heart can stop functioning properly. The need for valve replacement can be used by genetics, dietary habits, and heart diseases. A new form of valve replacement called TAVR has been created. This form repairs the valves through the use of a catheter rather than open heart surgery. Other forms of valve replacement include robot-assisted surgery and replacement or repair from smaller incisions.