ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the echo evaluation of patients who have undergone heart valve repair and replacement, either surgically or percutaneously. The different types of mechanical valve (bileaflet, tilting disc, ball and cage) are described, and the echo assessment of mechanical valve function (forward flow and regurgitant flow) are discussed. The different types of biological valve (xenograft, homograft, autograft) are described, and the echo assessment of biological valve function (forward flow and regurgitant flow) are discussed. Guidance for the follow-up of mechanical and biological valves is presented. Details of valve repair and percutaneous techniques are also discussed.
