ORIGINAL ARTICLE: PDF OnlyHydrodynamics of a Long-Body Bileaflet Mechanical Heart ValveGAO, B. Z.; HOSEIN, N.; HWANG, N. H. C.Author Information Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Cables, Florida. ASAIO Journal: September 1997 - Volume 43 - Issue 5 - p M401 Free Abstract A new bileaflet substitute mechanical heart valve (MHV) that incorporates an optimal length-to-annulus ratio for improved hydrodynamic efficiency was recently introduced. Efforts have been made on this new prosthesis to use the current advances in carbon materials and design technology to achieve higher net forward flow with minimal energy loss for the smaller aortic valves, while reducing regurgitant closure volume for the larger size valves by an elongated orifice. Benchtop experiments performed in a pulsatile flow loop, under simulated physiologic conditions, substantiated these improvements as claimed. ASAIO Journal 1997; 43:M396-M401. © Lippincott-Raven Publishers.
