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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1981; 29(2): 105-107
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1023453
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Creep and Flexibility Measurements on Plastic Frames for Tissue Heart Valves

P. J. Drury, W. H. Wain, B. W. Richards, D. N. Ross
  • Cardiothoracic Institute and National Heart Hospital, London
Further Information

Publication History

1980

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Measurements on plastic flexible frames for heart valves have shown that the design influences the creep potential of any one plastic material. This has been shown for both in vitro accelerated fatigue tests and after clinical implantation of more than 10 years. The flexibility of the plastic, a polypropylene, was not affected either by fatigue testing, shelf storage or clinical implantation. The possibility of 30 years freedom from creep for a flexible plastic frame for a tissue heart valve has been examined.

Key words

Creep - Flexibility - Fatigue - Cardiac valve support frames

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