Clinical assessment of prosthetic valve function.

The advent of high-quality ultrasound technology has made the assessment of prosthetic valve function quicker, easier, and more accurate than ever before. By using cross-sectional imaging, colour flow mapping, and spectral Doppler techniques from both the precordium and the oesophagus, it is possible to assess a prosthetic valve fully. Cardiac catheterization with its attendant risks can be avoided. Echocardiography gives detailed morphological information, and it can be used for routine serial follow-up of individual patients. Using the patient as his or her own control avoids the problems caused by poorly-defined 'normal ranges' for prosthetic function.