[In vitro evaluation of hydrodynamics of prosthetic heart valves]

The hydrodynamics of various prosthetic heart valves currently available commercially were studied in our mock circulation system by analysis of flow-pressure gradient and opening angle. Using the circulation system, various prosthetic heart valves were tested in the simulative states of normal hemodynamics, low output, arrhythmia, hypovolemia, and vasoconstriction. The flow-pressure gradient analysis demonstrated the characteristics of each valves clearly. The St. Jude Medical valve showed the superior valve characteristics over other mechanical valves. The opening angles of the tilting disc prosthetic valves were also studied in the same simulative circulation using the photosensor system with real-time monitoring. In contrast to our clinical experiences of poor opening of Omniscience valve in the mitral position, limitation of the opening angle of the valve was not observed in this in vitro study.