Kinematics of synthetic flexible leaflet heart valves during accelerated testing.

Background And Aims Of The Study: The study aim was to examine the effect of variation of test frequencies on the duration and kinematics of valve leaflets during opening, and at the fully open position.

Methods: Trileaflet polyurethane heart valves were tested in a Rowan Ash fatigue accelerator at 5, 10 and 15 Hz. Images of the valves were acquired using a high-speed camera and assessed qualitatively during opening and in the fully open position.