Non-destructive evaluation techniques for prosthetic heart valves based on hologram interferometry. Part II: Experimental results and clinical implications

Non-destructive evaluation by hologram interferometry of seven mechanical and seven bioprosthetic valves was carried out. Irregular fringe patterns suspect of intrinsic valve anomaly which may lead to later dysfunction were detected in one mechanical and six bioprosthetic valves. Histologic examination of two bioprosthetic valves revealed focal degeneration, especially in the fibrosa, in those parts of the leaflets that had obvious anomalies on the holographic interferograms. It was shown that the flow turbulences caused by prosthetic valves can also be evaluated using hologram interferometry. The experimental results, obtained with six different types of prostheses (Lillehei-Kaster, Bjork-Shiley, Omnicarbon, St. Jude Medical, Carpentier-Edwards S.A.V. and Valcor), demonstrated the applicability of this technique to both mechanical and bioprosthetic valves. Carrying out non-destructive screening tests for heart valve prostheses may prevent the implantation of potentially dysfunctional devices.