[Proceedings: Studies on mechanically induced hemolysis following prosthetic heart valve replacement]

Investigations into the problem of mechanical hemolysis were carried out in 28 patients with one or more prosthetic heart valve replacements. Signs of compensated intravascular hemolysis were demonstrated in all cases by determination of lactic dehydrogenase activity and free hemoglobin in the serum. We found no correlation between the type and number of prosthetic heart valves and the incidence of hemolysis.