Newer Generation Transcatheter Heart Valve Devices: Moving FORWARD

The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...

The human heart is made up of three layers of tissue that are surrounded by the pericardium, a membrane that protects and confines the heart. The outermost layer, closest to the pericardium, is the epicardium. The pericardial cavity separates the pericardium from the epicardium. Beneath the epicardium is the myocardium, the middle layer, and the endocardium, the innermost layer. There are four chambers of the heart: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle.

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...

A stationary charge creates and interacts with the electric field, while a moving charge creates a magnetic field.
Consider a point charge moving with a constant velocity. Like the electric field, the magnetic field at any point is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the source point and the field point. However, unlike the electric field, the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the plane containing the line...

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular...

In most substances, the current flow is proportional to the voltage applied to it. A simple relationship between the values of current, voltage, and resistance is known as Ohm's law. Nonohmic devices do not exhibit a linear relationship between voltage and current. One such device is the semiconducting circuit element known as a diode. A diode is a circuit device that allows current flow in only one direction.
Consider a simple circuit consisting of a battery, a diode, and a resistor. A...