On the maximum operating frequency of prosthetic heart valves

Abstract

A criterion is presented to evaluate the maximum pulsating flow frequency beyond which prosthetic heart valves cease to properly operate. The idea is tested with the experimental measurements obtained with an biological Edwards-Carpenter valve type model. It is found that beyond a certain characteristic frequency, the valve is no longer capable of fully operating in a cyclic manner. Furthermore, based on data recently reported by other authors, this preliminary comparison suggests that for a wide range of materials, leaflet sizes and operating conditions prosthetic heart valves might fail to properly operate for frequencies beyond 4.5 Hz (or 240 ppm).