title: Artificial valves "up to date" in Japan.
abstract: We have many choices when selecting artificial valves for valve replacement surgery. It is necessary to know the characteristics of the various prosthetic valves to make an appropriate decision for each valvular heart disease patient. In this review paper, we describe the features and benefits of the artificial valves available in Japan. Standard and new generation bioprostheses and mechanical prostheses are reviewed. The new technology of the catheter-delivery heart valve is also mentioned in this paper.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, 6-16-1 Tomioka-Higashi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0001, Japan. tokunaga@kanagawa-junko.jp
authors.forename: Shigehiko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tokunaga
authors.forename: Ryuji
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tominaga
mesh_terms: D001705:Bioprosthesis; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D011474:Prosthesis Design