Abstract
The in-vitro characteristics of various type of prosthetic heart valves in the state of low cardiac output and atrial fibrillation were studied. The materials were Björk-Shiley valve (BS), Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenograf t (ISPX) and Mo-Hancock xenograft (Mo-HX) valves. It was found that ISPX showed superior valve characteristics over BS valve in aortic position and is suitable, therefore, in that position. In mitral position, however, BS valve revealed to have better performance in regular pulsation. On the other hand, in the state of atrial fibrillation, ISPX was found to be superior to BS valve. Refering to the frequent observation of atrial fibrillation accompaniing with mitral valve desease, ISPX is recommended to be used in mitral position as well.
