Role of device retrieval and analysis in the evaluation of substitute heart valves

Abstract

Surgical replacement of diseased valves with functional substitutes is the dominant therapeutic modality in patients with symptomatic valvular heart disease and generally improves survival and enhances quality of life.1,2 Nevertheless, problems associated with the valve replacement devices remain a major impediment to the long-term success of this procedure. Despite considerable improvement in the technology of heart valve prostheses since their first successful use approximately 45 years ago, both mechanical and tissue heart valve substitutes (illustrated in Fig. 1) remain imperfect, and prosthesis-associated complications have considerable impact on the long-term outlook for those who have had valve replacement surgery. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.