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Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
Published on: October 17, 2013
Effect of valve leaflet surface patterning on valve hydrodynamic performance
Aili Wang1, Yumiao Wang1, Wanbing Liu2
1State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, FuWai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
Objective:
We aimed to elucidate the effects of the micro-structure of the pyrolytic carbon for artificial heart valves on its hydrodynamic performance.
Methods:
Bileaflet mechanical valves of GKS 23 and 29 A were randomly selected. According to ISO5840, mean transvalvular pressure (MPG), regurgitation fraction (RF), and effective orifice area (EOA) of valve were assessed. Then, parallel-groove pattern was constructed by laser etching on leaflet surface, and the valves were subjected again to the same test.
Results:
Compared with before patterning at 2, 3.5, 5, and 7 L/min, the MPG of the valves in two specifications were higher, the EOA was larger in 23 A, but smaller in 29 A, and the RF was contrary to EOA. At 5 L/min, the RF in both specifications was lower after etching at 45 bpm. At 70 bpm however, the RF in 23 A decreased, in 29 A increased.
Conclusion:
The parallel-groove pattern on leaflet surface affected the hemodynamic performance of the valve prostheses.
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