Hydrodynamic test of bioprostheses in the mitral position

With the described circulation simulator it is possible to simulate physiological values of pulse frequency, filling volume and pressure. Bioprostheses with pathological changes can be investigated in vitro under normal and under specific pathological in vivo circulation conditions. The criteria of classification of the effectiveness of bioprostheses are reflux volume, VR, insufficiency, I and maximal orifice area, A. As a result of the definition of insufficiency, even intact bioprostheses show insufficiency with regard to the closing volume. While the effectiveness of perforated bioprostheses can be clearly demonstrated by reflux volume and insufficiency, the regurgitation of a stenosed valve gives no meaningful statement as to its effectiveness. In this case, the orifice area, A, is a suitable criterion of the classification of effectiveness.