Carpentier-Edwards supraannular bioprosthesis, aortic position. (A) Posteroanterior radiograph; (B) and (C) left lateral view radiograph and photograph. One continuous narrow wireform outlines each of the three stents and the portion of the base ring between stents. Although superficially similar to the radiographic silhouettes of the Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthesis, in the supraannular model the change of shape of the wireform as it shifts from base ring to stent is more gradual, giving the wire a gently curving appearance rather than a right-angle appearance.

Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve prosthesis, mitral position. (A) Posteroanterior radiograph; (B) and (C) left lateral radiograph and photograph. The base ring is marked by a flattened circular ring with three holes. The flattened ring does not extend into the stents as is seen in the Ionescu-Shiley xenograft. In addition, a narrow wireform outlines each of the three stents and the base ring between the stents. The wire curves gently between stent and base ring, similar to the Carpentier-Edwards supraannular bioprosthesis.

Hancock pericardial heart valve, mitral position. (A) Posteroanterior radiograph; (B) and (C) left lateral radiograph and photograph. The base ring is a narrow, circular, wirelike form. The remainder of the valve is radiolucent. The radiographic silhouette is similar to that of the Hancock porcine xenograft.

Hancock II porcine xenograft, mitral position. (A) Posteroanterior radiograph; (B) and (C) left lateral radiograph and photograph. The base ring and stents are radiolucent. Three tiny circular rings mark the distal external aspects of the three stents.