APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF CARDIAC-VALVE PROSTHESES AS SURGICAL PATHOLOGY OR AUTOPSY SPECIMENS

Pathologists are likely to encounter substitute heart valves with incr easing frequency. Informed evaluation of such valves provides valuable information that contributes to both patient care and our understandi ng of the pathobiology of host interactions with mechanical devices. T his article summarizes the most important considerations underlying su ch analyses - including valve identification, common morphologic featu res and modes of failure, technical details of evaluation, and potenti al pitfalls.