title: Clinical assessment of prosthetic valve function.
abstract: The advent of high-quality ultrasound technology has made the assessment of prosthetic valve function quicker, easier, and more accurate than ever before. By using cross-sectional imaging, colour flow mapping, and spectral Doppler techniques from both the precordium and the oesophagus, it is possible to assess a prosthetic valve fully. Cardiac catheterization with its attendant risks can be avoided. Echocardiography gives detailed morphological information, and it can be used for routine serial follow-up of individual patients. Using the patient as his or her own control avoids the problems caused by poorly-defined 'normal ranges' for prosthetic function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Yapanis
mesh_terms: D000790:Angiocardiography; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology