A new design of bileaflet heart valve to eliminate the blood flow disturbance
Zhang, Z.; Wang, Y.
Zhongguo Yi Liao Qi Xie Za Zhi 23(5): 249-251; 257
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1671-7104 PMID: 12583067 Document Number: 506373
The major problems of current clinically--used bileaflet heart valves are thromboembolism and hemorrhage related to anticoagulants. These bileaflet heart valves are considered as being unsatisfactory, because in the open position, two leaflets divide the ring orifice of the valve into three regions. In this obstructive orifice, the high turbulent shear stresses and the region of flow separation and stagnation all give rise to the occurrence of thrombosis. In our design of bileaflet heart valve, in the open position, no structural component or leaflet divides the ring orifice of the valve. Our bileaflet heart valve has the best possibilities for creating more natural blood flow Pattern which could decrease or eliminate the blood flow disturbance so as to reduce the risk of thrombosis and the needs for anticoagulation therapy.