Prosthetic heart valves

Abstract

Recent technological advances have led to a proliferation of prosthetic heart valves, primarily for the treatment of mitral and aortic disease. Cardiac auscultation can be a powerful tool to differentiate the various types of mechanical and bioprosthetic valves, to identify prognostic factors, and to diagnose complications. In this chapter, we will review relevant cardiac anatomy and physiology, related tests including echocardiography, the characteristic auscultation profiles of various mitral and aortic prostheses, as well as diagnostic and prognostic factors, complications, indications for valve replacement, and the management of patients with prosthetic valves.