Evaluation of prosthetic valve dysfunction with the use of echocardiography.

Prosthetic heart valves (PHVs) are classified as either mechanical or biological. Each valve type has its own risk-to-benefit ratio, unique hemodynamic profile, and Doppler findings, which are also affected by the valve size and the patient's body surface area. Transthoracic echocardiography, along with two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, including color and spectral Doppler, are each important for the comprehensive evaluation of PHVs and to identify the presence and mechanism of valve dysfunction.