Heart valve

Abstract

Abstract A prosthetic heart valve including a supporting structure comprising a substantially semi-circular base or armature of semi-rigid but somewhat flexible material with two upwardly projecting struts. The armature and struts may be encased with plastic or other suitable material; and are covered with soft flexible material including a strip which connects the free ends of the semi-circular base to form a complete ring. A membrane of biological or biologically acceptable material is shaped about the supporting structure so as to define a cylindrical orifice having lips which overlap, over a significant part of their inside surfaces, to provide a complete and effective closure against and under the force of back-flow. When said lips open the flow is relatively unobstructed. The soft strip of material which completes the armature ring permits the valve to respond more readily to movements of the heart while the semi-rigid section provides adequate support for the valve. The armature and struts may be formed to either a semi-oval or, preferably, semi-circular configuration and made from wire, metal strip, or plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic, all depending upon the application. The struts may be of equal height or different heights. If required the base may be formed completely from metal or plastic.

Inventors

• 👤 Shlomo Gabbay

Bibliographic Details