PURPOSE: To evaluate the capability of bright-blood cine MR to directly visualize the leaflets of the valve replacement in pulmonary position following Ross operation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Long and short axis views of the pulmonary valve were obtained in 10 normal subjects and 14 patients after Ross operation. Valve morphology ...

A technique is presented for modifying the Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve housing to improve peristomal skin adherence for hands-free tracheoesophageal speech production following total laryngectomy. The finished product is thin, flexible, and maintains enhanced tear strength. The edges of a standard housing device for the Blom-Singer valve are trimmed to allow ...

At fluoroscopy a decreased disc motion in mechanical heart prostheses is often a sign of valve thrombosis. On occasion, however, despite an exhaustive diagnostic work-up, common causes of prosthetic valve thrombosis are not found. In these cases the valve disc abnormalities are thought to be due to functional changes. We ...

Despite the growing trend of device closure for patent ovale foramens (PFO), the morphology of these lesions is much neglected. A better understanding of the morphological aspects is needed for developing lesion-specific devices. We reviewed ten heart specimens and distinguished two forms of PFO: valve competent and valve incompetent. In ...

OBJECTIVES: From the widely differing complication rates published for every heart valve, is it possible to determine a true rate for each valve and to compare the rates of two different valves? We investigated this question for the two most popular bileaflet valves. METHODS: Aortic valve data were abstracted from ...

The heart of Bathynomus doederleini gives rise to an anterior median artery (AMA), one pair of anterior lateral arteries (ALAs) and five pairs of lateral arteries (LAs). Cardioarterial valves are located at the junctions between the heart and arteries, each composed of a pair of muscular flaps. All valves of ...

Heart valve dysfunction often necessitates surgical implantation of a mechanical heart valve (MHV). Although implantation of a MHV is a life-saving procedure, the patient still faces potentially complications such as thromboembolic events and material failure. These complications may be caused by cavitation, which can occur during valve closure. Cavitation is ...

Heart valve repair is a biomaterial-dependent procedure, yet autogenous tissue for valvular reconstruction has to date been obtained mostly from the pericardium and fascia lata. Most clinical studies recommend valve repair as an alternative to replacement. We now put forward a hypothesis, extrapolated from hand surgery, for use of the ...

The study was performed on 110 great saphenous veins in human foetuses of both sexes aged 9 to 37 weeks. The earliest well-shaped valves were observed in foetuses aged 13 weeks. In these foetuses the number of valves varies from 2 to 7. Consecutive microscopic sections revealed that the developing ...

This study examined the effects of tracheostomy cuff deflation and one-way speaking valve placement on swallow physiology. Fourteen nonventilator-dependent patients completed videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) under three conditions: (1) cuff inflated, (2) cuff deflated, and (3) one-way valve in place. Four additional patients with cuffless tracheostomy tubes completed VFSS with ...

Since the cutaneous veins of the four limbs have been used as autogenous grafts in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, knowledge of distribution of the valves is increasingly required depending upon the use. In the gross anatomical study of distribution of valves of the trunci venae, there has been argument ...

OBJECTIVE: High intensity transient signals (HITS) observed during extracorporeal circulation and following mechanical valve replacement are suspected of causing cognitive dysfunction (deterioration of episodic and working memory). This study evaluates the role played by valve design (bileaflet versus tilting disc) and other parameters in the incidence of HITS. METHODS: Thirty ...

Nasal obstruction may require treatment with rhinoplasty techniques. One cause of nasal obstruction is known as nasal valve collapse. This refers to narrowness and weakness at the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway. There are a number of surgical approaches available to treat nasal valve collapse. Selection ...

This case report describes a patient with pulmonary embolism (PE) in whom transesophageal echocardiography showed a thrombus in the right atrium attached to the eustachian valve (EV). The EV is typically absent in the adult, but when present it is considered to be benign. It is an uncommon site for ...

The Jyros (JR) and the Advancing The Standard (ATS) valves were compared with the St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve in the mitral position to study the effects of design differences, installed valve orientation to the flow, and closing sounds using particle tracking velocimetry and particle image velocimetry methods utilizing a ...

The aim of the study was morphometric and mathematic analysis of calcification profiles present in the leaflets of a cryopreserved and alive heart valve depending on the diagnosed pathologic process. Sheep antibiotic sterilised and cryopreserved biological valves were implanted in tricuspid position in young sheeps for one-year period. After this ...

Recently, cavitation on the surface of mechanical heart valves has been studied as a cause of fractures occurring in implanted mechanical heart valves. The cause of cavitation in mechanical heart valve was investigated in both 25-mm Björk-Shiley and 25-mm Medtronic Hall valves. The closing events of these valves in the ...

Candida parapsilosis endocarditis is associated with a high mortality rate. Usually occurring in intravenous-drug abusers and prosthetic valve recipients, native-valve endocarditis is rarely reported. We describe a case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis involving the aortic and mitral valves, with the patient surviving prompt double-valve replacement with amphotericin B and fluconazole ...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: Medtronic, Inc. has designed and developed a new bileaflet, aortic prosthesis (Advantage) and, following an in-vitro analysis, a chronic in-vivo 20-week evaluation was performed in sheep. METHODS: Fourteen adult male and female sheep underwent implantation of either a 19 mm Advantage or St. Jude ...

The present study investigated the Medtronic Advantage (MA) bileaflet valve in an animal model and compared the results to the St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve. Systolic performance and coronary artery flow in different orientations were studied.A rotation device holding either a MA or SJM aortic valve size 23 mm was ...

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate the degeneration and calcification of valved bovine jugular vein segments for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in juvenile sheep. METHODS: Seven valved bovine jugular vein conduits (Contegra model 220; VenPro Corporation, Irvine, Calif) and 3 control conduits (MH100; Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) were ...

OBJECTIVE: To assess the hydrodynamical performance of the valve prosthesis made of expanded ultra-microporous Teflon in vitro. METHOD: Sheets of the expanded ultra-microporous Teflon were sewn onto flexible bracket to prepare artificial valve prosthesis. The leakage and steady flow of the valve prosthesis was tested in vitro with Baxter valve ...

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the isoprostane 8-epi-PGF2 alpha differently accumulates in semilunar valves of patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD, n = 19) as compared to valves from healthy heart donors (controls, n = 6). Sections from isolated aortic and pulmonary valves were ...

The need for more detail regarding the clinical and morphological features of human heart valves has become evident due to recent controversy regarding anorexigen-associated valvular dysfunction. In the present study, we used quantitative digital image analysis of geometric and compositional features to compare the histopathology of cardiac valves excised from ...

BACKGROUND: The Omniscience mechanical valve has been the subject of multiple clinical investigations with variable results, including reports of high complication and reoperation rates. METHODS: Records of all patients who received Omniscience valves were reviewed, and follow-up interviews were conducted to determine the incidence of valve-related morbidity, mortality, and functional ...

PURPOSE: The low pressure Novus valve is a pressure differential valve with a normally open siphon control mechanism. This study evaluates our experience with this valve in adult hydrocephalus and is the first published clinical review of the Novus valve. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 1999, we prospectively inserted low ...

We report a case of staphylococcus endocarditis of the mitral and aortic valves in an intravenous drug user (IVDU) complicated by abscess of the aortic root and aorto-left atrial fistula. Interestingly, the tricuspid valve was free of vegetation. Infective endocarditis in IVDUs more commonly involves right-sided valves; left-sided endocarditis is ...

The authors describe and discuss their experience with the collapse of the external nasal valve, focusing on the role that surgery of the columella plays in solving this problem. Thirty-seven cases were treated. In all but I there had been a previous septorhinoplasty. Seven patients had concomitant internal valve collapse. ...

A 56-year-old man admitted with dyspnea had undergone aortic valve replacement using a Starr-Edwards ball valve to treat aortic regurgitation 28 years earlier. Chest radiography showed moderate cardiomegaly, moderate pulmonary edema, and mild pleural effusion. Echocardiographic examination showed severe mitral regurgitation. The mitral valve was replaced using a St. Jude ...

BACKGROUND: In children with complex multilevel left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), the Konno aortoventriculoplasty is used to enlarge the aortic root and increase the size of the aortic valve implanted. We present our experience with the evolution of this surgical approach from prosthetic valves to the Ross operation. METHODS: ...

Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS) has been explained as an atherosclerotic process of the valve as they often exhibit inflammatory changes with infiltration of macrophages, T lymphocytes and lipid infiltration. The present study investigated whether the bacteria Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), detected previously in atherosclerotic plaques, are also ...

OBJECTIVE: Internal jugular valves are the only venous valves between the heart and the brain. Conditions such as coughing and other precipitating activities may result in retrograde cerebral venous flow because of the absence or presence of internal jugular valve incompetence, allowing brief transmission of high venous pressure and resulting ...

Twisted atrioventricular connections usually occur in hearts with biventricular artioventricular connections. Here, we describe a case of twisted atrioventricular valves associated with double inlet left ventricle and discordant ventriculo-arterial connections. Color Doppler echocardiography, and cine magnetic resonance imaging, clearly demonstrated that the right atrioventricular valve was located anterior and superior ...

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an exhalation valve designed to minimize rebreathing improves daytime or nocturnal gas exchange or improves symptoms compared with a traditional valve during nocturnal nasal ventilation delivered using a bilevel pressure ventilation device. DESIGN: Prospective direct comparison trial with each patient sequentially using both valves, during ...

We propose a modified single-patch technique consisting in plication of the patch on the left side, which then is sutured with the free edge of the left atrioventricular valve. The proposed technique offers all the advantages of the single-patch technique and at the same time provides additional tissue for reconstructing ...

Advances in digital imaging technology and in tools for obtaining detailed quantitation of morphological features have facilitated a new approach to pathological assessment of many tissues, including heart valves. In the present study, we quantitatively examined the tissue geometry and composition of structurally normal mitral and aortic valves removed at ...

The presence of mechanical or bioprosthetic valves has traditionally excluded patients from mechanical circulatory support. However, several centers have now developed algorithms for the surgical management of native or prosthetic valve disease in patients requiring left ventricular assist device insertion. We report adverse events associated with bioprosthetic valves in the ...

Despite iron substitution therapy, a patient developed severe hemolytic anemia 23 yr after insertion of a cloth-covered Starr-Edwards model 2320 aortic valve prosthesis. The prosthesis showed no sign of significant dysfunction. Upon removal, it showed extensive cloth wear on the inner surface of all three struts; one strut was completely ...

16 models of valves, currently in use in the U.K., have been tested long-term in the U.K. Shunt Evaluation Laboratory according to the protocol based on the new ISO 7197 standard. Valves tested were: Medtronic PS Medical: Delta Valve, Flow Control and Lumbo-Peritoneal Shunt, Heyer-Schulte Nero-Care: In-line, Low Profile and ...

Posterior urethral valves represent the most common post-vesical obstructive malformation. They affect the male gender and appear as intraluminal folds located immediately proximal to the verumontanum. One of the most credited pathogenetic theories considers them an anomalous insertion of mesonephric duct into the cloaca or an incomplete involution of plicae ...

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of microbubbles (MBs) in patients with prosthetic mitral valves (PMVs). The clinical and echocardiographic predictors of MB were investigated. We also analyzed the temporal relation between MBs and the thrombolytic treatment of thrombotic PMV dysfunction. The study material comprised 307 ...

Prosthetic valve obstruction is a life-threatening complication most commonly caused by thrombus, pannus, or both. We report a St. Jude tricuspid valve obstruction, initially treated with thrombolytic therapy, found to be caused by pannus on pathologic examination. Clinical evaluation and diagnostic evaluation with fluoroscopy and echocardiography in distinguishing pannus from ...

PURPOSE: To determine if an association exists between duplex-derived parameters and intraoperative angioscopic findings of valvular incompetence. METHODS: Preoperative duplex scanning and intraoperative angioscopy were performed on 153 limbs in 116 patients (84 women; mean age 53 years, range 24-79) with superficial venous incompetence (SVI). The duplex parameters of vein ...

Ureteral valves together with stenosis and diverticula represent congenital malformations of the ureteral tract between the pyeloureteral junction and the ureterovesical junction. They are rare malformations and even more rarely they cause an obstacle to urine flow. The proximal subjejunal ureteral tract is more frequently involved. The most reliable pathogenetic ...

Reliable screening of mechanical prosthetic mitral valve (PMV) dysfunction by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is mandatory because transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) cannot be routinely used. However, acoustic shadowing seriously hampers detection of PMV dysfunction with TTE, particularly regurgitation. To identify TTE indexes that can detect PMV dysfunction (regurgitation or obstruction), 134 patients ...

A case of bleeding from angiodysplasia in association with aortic stenosis is presented. The particular interest in this patient is that the bleeding ceased immediately after the insertion of a bioprosthetic valve and recurred when the valve restenosed. Furthermore, the bleeding again promptly resolved when the valve was exchanged for ...

OBJECTIVE: A prospective clinical study was designed to assess the frequency and severity of intravascular hemolysis in patients with new-generation, normally functioning prosthetic heart valves. METHODS: Hemolysis was evaluated in 172 patients with a mechanical prosthesis (53 CarboMedics and 119 Sorin Bicarbon) and in 106 patients with a bioprosthesis (15 ...

A long-term evaluation of a new percutaneously placed bioprosthetic, bicuspid venous valve (BVV) consisting of a square stent and small intestinal submucosa (SIS) covering was performed in 12 sheep. Of 26 BVVs placed into the jugular veins, 25 exhibited good valve function on immediate venography and 22 on venograms obtained ...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: Several techniques were utilized to evaluate the performance of bileaflet mechanical heart valves and improve upon current valve designs. METHODS: Particle image velocimetry (PIV), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and video analysis were used to evaluate St. Jude Medical (SJM) and ATS valves in an ...

Valve obstruction is a lifethreatening complication of mechanical valve prostheses. Emergency operation is mandatory for patients who subsequently develop cardiogenic shock and severe pulmonary edema. In this severely compromised hemodynamic condition, cardiac arrest develops in most of the patients before surgery and just after general anesthesia induction. In one such ...