Characteristics of Surgical Prosthetic Heart Valves and Problems Around Labelling: A Document From the EACTS—STS—AATS Valve Labelling Task Force

This position paper written by the EACTS, STS, and AATS Valve Labeling Task Force focuses on problems around sizing and labeling of various prosthetic valves. The authors provide information on European and international regulations and use of standards in prosthetic heart valve labeling, characteristics of surgical prosthetic heart valve design, and their hemodynamic performance and thrombogenicity. This first paper from the task force reviews current practices and identifies where improvements are necessary.