Choosing the right replacement heart valve
Four small valves open and close with each heartbeat. Their coordinated movements direct blood in a seamless, life-sustaining cycle. Each contraction of the powerful left ventricle drives oxygen-rich blood through the aortic valve and on to all parts of the body. Blood depleted of oxygen returns to the right atrium and passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. From there it is pumped through the pulmonary valve and into the lungs, where it gets recharged with oxygen. The next stop is the left atrium, then on through the mitral valve to the left ventricle, where the cycle begins again.
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