An improved apparatus for in vitro study of mitral valve dynamics
A model left ventricle was developed for the study of mitral valve fluid and mechanical dynamics. Freshly excised human and animal mitral valves were mounted in the apparatus and subjected to conditions simulating cardiac disease states. Control was obtained over mitral valve geometry, atrial and ventricular pressure, ventricular afterload (both in terms of resistance and compliance), heart rate, and stroke volume. Dynamic transmitral flow was measured using an electromagnetic flow probe positioned above the valve annulus. Mapping of forward and regurgitant transmitral flow was possible using both pulsed and continuous wave Doppler ultrasonography. In addition, dynamic papillary muscle tension was measured using highly sensitive cantilever load cells. This apparatus will allow a more thorough assessment of mitral valve dysfunction in various disease states than has heretofore been possible.
