One method of evaluating prosthetic heart valves is to review their hemodynamic features - fluid flow patterns through a valve, pressure gradients across a valve, and regurgitant characteristics. Included here are normal valve characteristics seen on Doppler and cinefluoroscopic examination, as well as pressure gradients and regurgitation measurements. On short axis, leaflets form two parallel lines during systole, and they disappear during diastole when the valve is closed.
Gradients are representative of other studies.
On short axis, leaflets form two parallel lines during diastole, and they disappear during systole when the valve is closed. With apical approach, leaflets appear as two parallel lines during diastole, and they disappear during systole. Note that with valves in either the aortic or mitral position, ECHO images of the valve will vary based on the valve orientation chosen by the surgeon at implantation. Perin, et al. Habib, et al.