You have invented a new type of artificial aortic valve, the performance of which you are now assessing in the first human heart. You have catheterized the aorta and placed a pressure transducer there. The ECG and aortic pressure are recorded simultaneously from your subject and are shown below (Note: The large voltage spike of the ECG corresponds to the beginning of ventricular contraction, while the more diffuse subsequent peak corresponds to repolarization and relaxation of the ventricular muscle)

a) You are concerned about the results of your tests. What is it about the pressure data that concerns you? (b) What do you think the general problem with your valve is, and how might you improve it?