Hybrid heart valve function tester specifically designed for production evaluation of prosthetic heart valve products

A method of performing different types of testing on a prosthetic valve using a single tester having a circuit of channels, the method comprising:

• providing a main loop of fluid channel capable of providing a first flow path to a testing fluid;
• providing a first branch-off point disposed on the main loop having a first branch channel branching off and fluidly connecting the main loop to a three-way connection;
• providing a second branch-off point disposed on the main loop having a second branch channel branching off and fluidly connecting the main loop to the three-way connection;
• providing a third branch-off point disposed on the main loop having a third branch channel branching off and fluidly connecting the main loop to three three-way connection;
• providing a steady-flow pump disposed on the first branch channel;
• wherein the second branch-off point is directly connected to the third branch-off point via section A of the main loop, and the second branch-off point is directly connected to the first branch-off point via a section B of the main loop;
• wherein the first branch-off point is directly connected to the third branch-off point via section C of the main loop;
• placing said prosthetic heart valve in section A of the first flow path;
• controlling a direction of fluid flow through the three-way connection by shutting off at least one of said first branch channel, said second branch channel, and said third branch channel.