Surgery in progress to replace a mitral heart valve,showing the replacement valve suspended from sutures (stitches) being sited in the heart. The tubes carrying blood are connected to a heart- lung machine (not in view),used to maintain the patient's vital functions during the operation. The mitral valve allows a one-way flow of blood from left atrium to left ventricle,and prevents backflow. Damaged valves do not fully close,and a reflux of blood occurs,with potentially fatal results. Artificial valves may be made of metal,fabrics and,as in this case,of natural tissue obtained from porcine pericardium (the membrane that surrounds a pig's heart) | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Dohrn, Martin |
Bildgröße: | 3182 px × 2304 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |