Carbomedics bi-leaflet aortic valve prosthesis: a sticky problem

Abstract

Conclusion NT-proBNP is related to severity of valvular AS and provides independent prognostic information for an adverse outcome. However, this predictive value is limited to conservatively treated patients. Thus, our data suggest that NT-proBNP assessment may be of incremental value in deciding on the optimal timing of valve replacement. In contrast, NT-proBNP assessment provides no additional prognostic information for patients undergoing valve replacement.

Flow through a defective mechanical heart valve: A steady flow analysis

“…(3) It is difficult to detect a valve malfunction using traditional Doppler echocardiographic parameters due to their flow dependence (transvalvular pressure gradients), pressure recovery phenomenon [18], and a wide variation among Doppler-derived parameters even for the same valve. For this reasons, Aoyagi et al [19] and Montorsi et al [17] recommended that Doppler echocardiography should be used with another technique (such fluoroscopy or cineradiography).…”