Artificial Valves

Abstract

Although not strictly “normal,” most operators will undertake studies on patients with left-sided artificial valves, and some knowledge of how to image these is necessary. Prior to undertaking the TEE, it is important to read the surgical notes (if available) to elucidate the position, type, and size of the valve replacement. Also note whether additional procedures have been performed e.g., aortic root replacement (Fig. 7.1). Biological valves can be an autograft (i.e., as in the Ross procedure when the patients’ own pulmonary valve is placed in the aortic position with a prosthetic valve being implanted in the pulmonary valve position), an allograft (i.e., from another human being [cadaveric], and also known as homograft) or a xenograft (i.e., from an animal; usually an explanted porcine valve [stented or unstented], or a valve constructed from bovine pericardium [stented]).