International Acoustics Incorporated

Gerald A Kien

Hart V Katz

A method and apparatus for evaluating of implanted artificial (mechanical or bioprosthetic) heart valves includes a microprocessor responsive to a series of digital signals for processing a portion of the series of digital signals corresponding to valve sounds in a phonocardiogram. A deconvolution algorithm is provided to transform the portion of the series of digital signals into an impact history signal which characterizes the motion of the occluding elements and an impulse response signal. A microprocessor is used to transform the impulse response into a power spectrum signal and to calculate ring down times therefrom which characterize the physical structure of the valve cage. A recorder is provided for graphically portraying the extent and nature of degradation and deterioration of the heart valve. Such a printed graphic record of the impact history signal can then be precisely evaluated and a period-to-period comparison can be made with an earlier recorded impact history signal.

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Tower Lakes, IL, United States of America

Gerald A Kien