title: Laser Doppler velocimetry and flow visualization studies in the regurgitant leakage flow region of three mechanical mitral valves.
abstract: Streak line flow visualization and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) were conducted in the regurgitant leakage flow region of 3 mechanical heart valve types: CarboMedics, Medtronic Hall, and St. Jude Medical. Streak line flow visualization identified regions of high regurgitant flow, and LDV measurements were focused on those locations. Maximum regurgitant flow velocities after valve closure ranged from 0.7 to 2.6 m/s, and maximum Reynolds shear stress after valve closure ranged from 450 to 3,600 dyne/cm2. These data indicate that leakage flows can generate turbulent jets with elevated Reynolds stresses even in bileaflet valves.
authors.affiliation: Applied Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-4400, U.S.A.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Deutsch
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Bachmann
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tarbell
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D008961:Models, Structural; D014463:Ultrasonography