A review of cardiac valve prostheses and their selection

Operation for the purpose of cardiac valve repair or replacement has become commonplace since its initial trial some 80 years ago. Cardiac surgical techniques have been refined dramatically during the last 10 years and a number of sophisticated and innovative devices for valvular replacement have been developed. Valve research has concentrated on the development of a prosthetic valve that closely resembles the human valve in terms of hemodynamic performance, durability, and freedom from complications. Each currently available artificial heart valve has unique performance qualities, advantages, and disadvantages. These must be considered together with individual patient data when selecting an appropriate prosthesis to replace a human valve. Prognosis and long-term outcome will be effected by how well the valve prosthesis is matched to the cardiac anatomy, life-style, and age of the recipient.