Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
Published on: October 17, 2013
[Quality in aortic valve replacement--how good have hybrid valves have to be?]
D Aicher1, H V Groesdonk, H-J Schäfers
1Klinik für Thorax- und Herz-Gefässchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar.
Abstract:
The current enthusiasm with the development of catheter-based aortic valve replacement suggests a critical appraisal of the quality of conventional techniques. Currently surgical treatment of diseased aortic valves includes different methods that can be employed with a low risk. Risk prediction is difficult, the Euroscore largely overestimates mortality. By comparison, there is no evidence that the risk of implantation is reduced by catheter-based implantation. Specific complications (stroke, AV-block, perivalvular leak) are more frequent compared to conventional replacement. Despite the current enthusiasm over the feasibility of catheter-based implantation of hybrid aortic valves they should still be used cautiously.
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