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Analysis of prosthetic cardiac devices: a guide for the practising pathologist

Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto Medical Laboratories, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada

Correspondence to:
Dr J Butany
Department of Pathology E4-322, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; jagdish.butany{at}uhn.on.ca
ABSTRACT
Pathologists all over the world increasingly encounter prosthetic cardiac devices. A good evaluation of these devices is a valuable source of information, which can contribute to patient care and the appreciation and understanding of the pathobiology involved in the changes occurring between the host and the implanted prosthetic device. This article summarises the considerations underlying the analysis of prosthetic devices (particularly prosthetic heart valves), including the identification of the devices, the major morphological features of the devices, their modes of failure, and some technical details about evaluation and pitfalls.

Abbreviations: BHV, bioprosthetic heart valve; MHV, mechanical heart valve; PHV, prosthetic heart valve

Keywords: cardiac devices; mechanical heart valves; porcine bioprosthesis; bovine pericardial prosthesis; coronary stents; aortic stents; device analysis