Heart valve leaflet selection methods and apparatuses which subject individual leaflets to loads and measure the resulting deflection to more reliably group leaflets of similar physical characteristics for later
assembly in
prosthetic heart valves. The deflection testing may be accomplished using a variety of
test set ups which are designed to impart a load on the leaflet which simulates the actual loading within a
heart valve. The results from a number of deflection tests are used to categorize individual leaflets, which data can be combined with other data regarding the characteristics of the leaflet to better select leaflets for
assembly into a multi-leaflet
heart valve. In one embodiment, the deflection test is combined with an intrinsic load test, and leaflets having similar deflection and intrinsic load values used in the same
heart valve. One apparatus for testing the leaflets includes a frame for securing the arcuate cusp of the leaflet while the straight coapting edge remains free, to simulate the actual leaflet mounting configuration within the heart
valve prosthesis. The frame may include a lower portion having a recess for the leaflet and plurality of
receptor holes around the
peripheral edge of the recess, and an upper portion having a plurality of needles which extend downward through the leaflet and into the
receptor holes and secure the edges of the leaflet.