Segmentation by type classifies mechanical valves according to their mechanical architecture, which directly influences durability, hemodynamic performance, and surgical handling. The three principal types are ball‑and‑cage valves, tilting‑disc valves, and bileaflet valves. Ball‑and‑cage designs, once the industry standard, now occupy roughly 20 % of the market due to higher thrombogenic risk and limited flow efficiency. Tilting‑disc valves, offering improved orifice area and reduced turbulence, hold about 35 % of sales, particularly in regions where surgeon familiarity remains high. Bileaflet valves, recognized for superior hemodynamics and lower anticoagulation burden, dominate the segment with an estimated 45 % share, driving most of the recent growth in the mechanical heart valve market. Understanding type distribution clarifies product‑development priorities and highlights where incremental innovations can capture incremental market share.