title: Cavitation caused by mechanical heart valve prostheses--a review.
abstract: Heart valve dysfunction often necessitates surgical implantation of a mechanical heart valve (MHV). Although implantation of a MHV is a life-saving procedure, the patient still faces potentially complications such as thromboembolic events and material failure. These complications may be caused by cavitation, which can occur during valve closure. Cavitation is an erosive phenomenon that can be generated in fluids when the pressure locally drops below the vapor pressure. This paper reviews the literature on cavitation and MHVs and particular features of the valve and closing conditions that potentially increase the intensity of cavitation. Techniques for detecting cavitation will be discussed. Of these, an acoustic approach will be emphasized, since it is currently the only technique able to detect and quantify cavitation in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Institute of Experimental Clinical Research, Aarhus University Hospital Skejby Sygehus, Brendstrupgaardsvej, 8200 Aarhus N., Denmark.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Johansen
authors.forename: Brandon R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Travis
authors.forename: Peter K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Paulsen
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nygaard
authors.forename: J Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hasenkam
mesh_terms: D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D014463:Ultrasonography