A guide to the radiographic identification of prosthetic heart valves.

To facilitate the radiographic identification of prosthetic heart valves, radiographic silhouettes of various aortic, mitral and tricuspid valve prostheses were analyzed and shematized. Forty different prosthetic valve models (heterograft and mechanical) were obtained from seven domestic manufacturers. Each prosthesis was positioned to approximate the aortic, mitral or tricuspid valve anulus plane. The valves were then radiographed and photographed as they would appear in posteronanterior and left lateral chest radiographs. The radiographic silhouettes were examined and a scheme was designed to enable easy, yet accurate, differentiation of the many heart valve prostheses. Illustrations of the various valve types are presented as they would appear in routine chest radiographs.