The design, fabrication and evaluation of a trileaflet prosthetic heart valve

Although prosthetic heart valves have been in existence for many years, the need for new improved designs and in-vitro evaluation techniques are apparent. This paper presents details on the design considerations, fabrication techniques and heart valve evaluation equipment. A valve performance index is discussed in light of various valve and mock circulatory test section designs. The need for national and indeed international valve evaluation techniques is made apparent.