This book provides information on the aortic valve. Written in a comprehensive style, it emphasizes the principles behind the development of artificial valves. It covers the principles of valve geometry, tissue structure and function relationships, valve dynamics, fluid dynamics, mechanical stresses, echocardiographic images, mechanisms of valve sounds, valvular pathology, and design and performance of bioprosthetic valves. It enhances our understanding of angiographic and echocardiographic images and calcific stenosis, and will be of value in the development of better prostheses. The Aortic Valve is the ideal text for biomedical engineers and a unique resource for teaching interdisciplinary approaches to medical and engineering students. This work is also an indispensible source for cardiac surgeons, pathologists, cardiologists, and manufacturers of prosthetic valves.