2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems

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Question 2
Hard

A clinical study compared two types of replacement valves for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation (a leaking mitral valve):

  • Mechanical Mitral Valve (MMV) (made of synthetic materials such as carbon and titanium)
  • Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve (BMV) (made of treated biological tissue, typically porcine or bovine)

The data from the study is shown in the table below:

MeasurementMechanical Mitral Valve (MMV)Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve (BMV)
Number of patients in the study450045004500320032003200
Number of patients experiencing thromboembolism (blood clots) within 1 year180180180323232
Percentage of patients alive after 5 years82%82\%82%79%79\%79%
Percentage of patients requiring repeat valve surgery within 5 years2.0%2.0\%2.0%14.0%14.0\%14.0%
a.

Explain why a damaged, leaking mitral valve leads to a reduced ability to perform aerobic exercise.

[4]
b.

Give one conclusion comparing the rate of thromboembolism within 1 year between the two groups. Include calculations of percentages to support your conclusion.

[2]
c.

Based on the data provided and your biological knowledge, evaluate the choice of a Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve (BMV) compared to a Mechanical Mitral Valve (MMV).

[4]

2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Biology
  3. /2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems