Evaluation of prosthetic valve dysfunctioning

Although significant modifications in valve design, prosthetic materials, and surgical techniques have improved prosthetic valve function, the hemodynamic profile of prosthetic valves is still inferior to that of native valves.(1) Complications after cardiac valvular operations include structural valvular deterioration (wear, racture, poppet escape, calcification, leaflet tear), nonstructural dysfunction (entrapment by pannus, tissue or suture; paravalvular leak, inappropriate sizing or positioning and hemolytic anemia), valve thrombosis, embolism, bleeding events and endocarditis. Changes in baseline auscultatory findings and clinical presentation of dyspnea, exercise intolerance, or embolic phenomenon should prompt an evaluation of prosthetic function.