Bioprosthetic valves are heart valves made from biological tissues, often sourced from animals like pigs or cows. They are used to replace damaged or diseased heart valves, helping to restore normal blood flow. These valves are designed to mimic the function of natural heart valves and are typically less likely to cause blood clots compared to mechanical valves. One of the main advantages of bioprosthetic valves is that they usually do not require long-term use of blood thinners, making them a preferred choice for many patients, especially the elderly. However, they may have a shorter lifespan than mechanical valves, often lasting 10 to 20 years before needing replacement.