Quantification of regurgitant flow through bileaflet heart valve prostheses: theoretical and in vitro studies

A theoretical treatment using turbulent jet theory has yielded a new equation for predicting regurgitant flow through bileaflet heart valve prostheses, the most commonly implanted mechanical valve design. Previously reported techniques assuming an axisymmetric jet are not applicable to the slot-like orifices presented in these valves. The equations were therefore rederived in the context of the prosthetic valve geometry. The purpose of this study was to develop such a method and demonstrate its applicability in principle by using in vitro models. The method was validated under both steady and pulsatile flow conditions. Having derived a method geometrically specific to the orifices presented in bileaflet mechanical heart valves, it should be applicable from patient to patient due to the rigid nature of the valve. These idealized in vitro studies, along with the accompanying theoretical derivation, will guide implementation in the clinical setting.