An improved pericardial bioprosthetic heart valve Design and laboratory evaluation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The design and development of a new three-leaflet pericardial valve aredescribed and its function and durability evaluated in the laboratory. Theunique design allows the leaflets to be located on small radiallyprojecting pins on a pericardial covered frame. Leaflets are easilyinterchanged on the frame to allow each set of leaflets to be matchedduring a function test prior to final assembly. The valve has similarhydrodynamic function to other pericardial valves and accelerated fatiguetests have shown improved durability with the elimination of leaflet tearscaused by abrasion at the edge of the frame.