Echocardiographic evaluation of porcine heterograft valves in the mitral and aortic positions.

We evaluated 15 porcine heterograft valves in the mitral position and seven in the aortic position by echocardiography. Combining our quantitative description of valve stent and leaflet motion with 31 previously reported cases, we suggest echocardiographic criteria for the range of normal porcine heterograft valve motion in the mitral position. Quantitative evaluation of valve leaflet and stent motion for valves in the aortic position is described for the first time. Correlative hemodynamic and echocardiographic data is provided for three patients who underwent postoperative catheterization. The use of echocardiography in following the function of porcine heterograft valves is discussed.