A database obtained from in vitro function testing of mechanical heart valves.

The in vitro function of the CarboMedics, Medtronic Hall, Omniscience, Starr-Edwards, St. Jude and Sorin (formerly Shiley) Monostrut heart valves have been compared using a pulsatile flow model left heart and load system. A wide range of flows and heart rates were used. The above valves in all sizes and in both aortic and mitral positions were tested. Results for transvalvular pressure, regurgitation and effective orifice area are presented. The small size St. Jude valves showed the least transvalvular pressure and largest effective orifice area. For large valves, the least regurgitation was exhibited by the Starr-Edwards valve. The data provides a reference for the range of normal performance that can be expected of mechanical prosthetic heart valves.