A method of providing a simplified approach to the hemodynamic evaluation of prosthetic aortic valves was pursued and tested. The prostheses were tested in a closed-circuit mock circulatory loop which was designed to approximate physiological pressure and flow behavior near the valve. As operative technique may preserve the sinuses of Valsalva intact or, more commonly, effectively destroy them, the valves were tested in both configurations. Trends in valve performance were observed. Comparisons between these trends and similar results by other investigators were made when possible and found to be consistent with some while at variance with others.