Artificial Heart Valves, by Nicole Raia and David Ferreira

Heart Valve Background

A cross-sectional view (across the transverse plane) of the four valves and their positioning on the heart.[1]

Anterior view of the heart showing the locations of the four heart valves [2]

Function

The heart has four chambers, which are responsible for the ciculation of blood throughout the body. Heart valves are one-way valves located at the points where blood either enters or exits a chamber of the heart, with the purpose of preventing backflow of blood. The heart has four valves:

• Tricuspid valve - between the right atrium and right ventricle
• Pulmonary valve - between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
• Mitral valve (also known as the bicuspid valve) - between the left atrium and the left ventricle
• Aortic valve - between the left ventricle and the aorta

Heart valves consist of multiple flaps ([3]

Types of Heart Valves

Mechanical

Mechanical heart valves are manufactured heart valve replacements, with the distinct characteristic of being very durable.

References

1. Image: http://www.womensheart.org/content/heartsurgery/heart_valve_replacment.asp

2. Image: http://www.nursestopic.com/2011/08/heart-valves.html

3. "Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves." URMC Online Medical Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.

Notes (from file about what to keep/add to existing pages)

• Existing figures are good, please keep these!
• Find more companies that create these artificial valves.
• Can you find a video of the heart valve movement?

Side view to go along with the first image – it’s hard to make out where the valves sit from this angle.