title: Echocardiographic evaluation of bileaflet mechanical prosthetic valves.
abstract: In this article we review the value and pitfalls of the echocardiographic evaluation of bileaflet prosthetic valves commonly used at present. The basic physics of echocardiography of these prosthetic valves is presented, and practical guidelines for evaluation of prosthetic valves are formalised.
authors.affiliation: Helen Joseph Hospital and Department of Cardiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bortz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mekel
mesh_terms: D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012016:Reference Values; D013318:Stroke Volume