An improved pericardial bioprosthetic heart valve. Design and laboratory evaluation.

The design and development of a new three-leaflet pericardial valve are described and its function and durability evaluated in the laboratory. The unique design allows the leaflets to be located on small radially projecting pins on a pericardial covered frame. Leaflets are easily interchanged on the frame to allow each set of leaflets to be matched during a function test prior to final assembly. The valve has similar hydrodynamic function to other pericardial valves and accelerated fatigue tests have shown improved durability with the elimination of leaflet tears caused by abrasion at the edge of the frame.