Mechanism of closure of the mitral prosthetic valve and the role of atrial systole. Phonocardiographic and cinefluorographic study

Phonocardiographic and Cinefluorographic methods were used to study the mechanism of closure of the Starr-Edwards mitral prosthetic valve (model 6320) in 41 patients with a normal QRS interval. Atrial fibrillation was present in 23 patients and normal sinus rhythm in 18. The following intervals were measured: QRS to mitral closing click (Q-Mc), QRS to onset of closure (Q-Oc) and QRS to completion of closure (Q-Cc) of the prosthetic valve. Ball travel time was measured as Q-Cc minus Q-Oc. Mean Q-Oc was shorter in the group with normal sinus rhythm. In 8 patients in this group, Q-Oc occurred before ventricular systole and, in 2, completion of closure occurred before the QRS interval. Early closure in the group with normal rhythm was related to a prolonged P-R interval. In this group, values for Q-Mc and Q-Cc intervals did not differ significantly. Q-Cc in the groups with atrial fibrillation and normal sinus rhythm were not significantly different. Ball travel time was significantly longer in the latter group. Long R-R intervals in the group with atrial fibrillation may be associated with partial and occasionally complete premature closure of the valve. Q-Mc was inversely related to the R-R interval in this group.This study indicates 3 mechanisms for closure of the mitral prosthetic valve. Atrial or ventricular contraction alone may close the valve. The contribution of each is dependent on the time interval separating the contraction of these chambers. Spontaneous partial or complete closure may occur before ventricular systole during a prolonged R-R interval.