BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to investigate whether: (i) by detection of changing acoustic sound phenomena, minimal changes in prosthetic valve function may be detected earlier than with echocardiography, invasive diagnosis or clinically; (ii) @entity1 can record and pass on signals with a high level of reproducibility from any location via the Internet; and (iii) clinical data evaluation permits conclusions to be drawn on changes in the functional state of a prosthetic replacement valve. METHODS: Simulation studies were carried out using a mock circulation device. @entity886 ( @entity886 ) using extracorporeal circulation was performed in @entity1707 , valve function was artificially disturbed, and valve sounds were recorded. @entity1 were equipped with briefcase-like devices to record their valve sounds after @entity886 and to transfer them via the Internet. RESULTS: Simulation studies produced a typical sound spectrum for each tested valve that remained constant under variable conditions. Experiments in animals proved that minimal changes in prosthetic valve function led to a significant change in the sound phenomena. The degree of sensitivity was significantly greater than that in echocardiographic control experiments. All @entity1 in the clinical study regularly recorded and passed on their signals. Surveys revealed high acceptance and easy handling of the compiled devices. @entity340 were not detected. CONCLUSION: On-line registration of acoustic sound phenomena and ECG seems suited to detect minimal changes in prosthetic function. In particular, the registration of flow, acoustics and ECG envisaged at the next level opens up diverse potential applications for Internet-based, remote monitoring of @entity1 following cardiac surgery or cardiologic treatment.

XXXX in cardiac prostheses: data acquisition and collection via the Internet.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients'] @entity1707 :: ('9823', 'Species') :: ['pigs'] @entity340 :: ('MESH:D006349', 'Disease') :: ['Valve dysfunctions'] @entity886 :: ('MESH:C563178', 'Disease') :: ['AVR', 'Aortic valve replacement']
@entity340 :: (MESH:D006349,Disease) :: ['Acoustic phenomena and valve dysfunction']
