Aortic valve hydrodynamics: Considerations on the absence of sinuses of valsalva

Abstract

Background and aim of the study: The study aim was to compare the hydrodynamics of the Carpentier- Edwards Magna 21 (CEM) and St. Jude Medical Biocor-Epic-Supra 21 (SJME) valves at increasing stroke volume and pulse rate in two different aortic conduits, namely straight and with sinuses of Valsalva present. Methods: Both valve types were tested in the aortic chamber of the Sheffield pulse duplicator, at rates of 70, 80 and 90 beats/min, and stroke volumes of 50 and 60 ml. The systolic and diastolic performances were each recorded. The leaflet coaptation time, ventricle isovolumetric time and maximum instantaneous flow rate were also recorded. Results: Regardless of the aortic conduit, CEM va..