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Prostheses designed to replace natural heart valves. These prostheses may consist of biological or artificial valves. Bioprosthetic valves consist of either processed cardiac valves from human cadavers (i.e., allografts) or animals (i.e., xenografts) or valves manufactured from tissue (e.g., pericardium, dura mater) taken from the same sources. Artificial valves are typically made of metals and plastics or silicone rubber. Cardiac valve prostheses are available in appropriate sizes and configurations to replace any of the cardiac valves, namely the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves. These prostheses are indicated for patients in whom extensive valvular damage resulting from acquired or congenital diseases precludes repair.
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