PMID: 3768920Jan 1, 1986Paper

Noninvasive evaluation of cardiac valve prostheses

Cardiovascular Clinics
M N KotlerW R Parry

Abstract

Noninvasive techniques are particularly helpful in evaluating the function of mechanical prostheses and tissue valves. Combined phonocardiography with M-mode echocardiography, cinefluoroscopy, and Doppler echocardiography are the most useful noninvasive techniques in differentiating normal from abnormal metallic prosthetic valve function. The intensity of the opening and closing clicks and associated murmurs will depend on the type of prosthetic valve, the heart rate and rhythm, and the underlying hemodynamic status. Arrhythmias and/or conduction disturbances may produce motion patterns that mimic the echocardiographic signs of malfunctioning prosthetic valves. Two-dimensional echocardiography is of limited help in assessing patients with metallic prosthetic valves because of reverberating artifacts and side lobe echoes. However, 2-D echo is extremely useful in excluding underlying left ventricular dysfunction. In addition, 2-D echo allows the determination of the precise alignment of the prosthetic valves so that optimal M-mode evaluation of the disc or poppet motion can be undertaken. Two-dimensional echocardiography also allows diagnosis of pericardial effusion and exclusion of other valvular abnormalities. Differentiation o...Continue Reading

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