Abstract: A method for manufacturing a prosthetic heart valve. An elastic valve body and at least one leaflet are formed on a mold. The leaflet has a free edge which is formed by the mold without cutting the leaflet at the free edge.

Abstract: This invention provides an antithrombogenic annuloplasty rings, and methods for making the same, wherein the annuloplasty rings have a desired degree of initial rigidity to facilitate ease of handling during implantation but which becomes flexible some time after implantation. The annuloplasty ring contains a relatively rigid insert enclosed by a fabric sheath, the insert being at least partly comprised of a biodegradable material. Following surgical implantation of the annuloplasty ring, the rigid insert component of the ring, upon exposure to blood and/or other physiological fluids, undergoes a controlled biodegradation which decreases its rigidity, thereby increasing the flexibility of the implanted annuloplasty ring. Furthermore, at least some portion of the annuloplasty ring has incorporated into or onto its structure one or more antithrombogenic agents or materials in a manner which reduces the likelihood of thrombosis following implantation.

Abstract: This invention provides an antimicrobial annuloplasty rings, and methods for making the same, wherein the annuloplasty rings have a desired degree of initial rigidity to facilitate ease of handling during implantation but which becomes flexible some time after implantation. The annuloplasty ring contains a relatively rigid insert enclosed by a fabric sheath, the insert being at least partly comprised of a biodegradable material. Following surgical implantation of the annuloplasty ring, the rigid insert component of the ring, upon exposure to blood and/or other physiological fluids, undergoes a controlled biodegradation which decreases its rigidity, thereby increasing the flexibility of the implanted annuloplasty ring. Furthermore, at least some portion of the annuloplasty ring of the invention has incorporated therein one or more antimicrobial agents in a manner which reduces the likelihood of device infection following implantation.

Abstract: The invention, in a first aspect, is an apparatus for holding a flexible annuloplasty ring during implantation. The apparatus comprises a top piece including a bottom surface sized to engage substantially all of the inner diameter of the annuloplasty ring and finished to grip the annuloplasty ring; a bottom piece including a top surface sized to engage substantially all of the inner diameter of the annuloplasty ring and finished to grip the annuloplasty ring; and a haft capable of engaging the top and bottom pieces to clamp the annuloplasty ring therebetween. In a second aspect, the invention is a method of manipulating a flexible annuloplasty ring for implantation. The method comprises disposing the annuloplasty ring between a top piece and a bottom piece; and engaging the top piece and the bottom piece with a haft to clamp the annuloplasty ring between the top and bottom pieces.

Abstract: A valve body assembly for being mounted adjacent an annulus within a heart. A first retainer is attached to the valve body assembly for engaging a first side of the annulus. A second retainer is attached to the valve body assembly and includes a resiliently-deformable retaining member for resiliently engaging a second side of the annulus. The resiliently deformable retaining member is collapsed to a size permitting it to be inserted into through the annulus and positioned adjacent the second side of the annulus. The retaining member is then allowed to expand such that it resiliently engages the second side of the annulus.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic heart valve comprising: a valve body, a sewing ring assembly surrounding the valve body and comprising at least a fabric collar and preferably also a stiffening ring, and a tubular vascular graft having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the graft passes between the fabric collar and the valve body, but not between the stiffening ring and the valve body. The proximal end of the graft is preferably retained by a retaining ring that engages a retaining ring in the downstream end of the fabric sleeve.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis including a heart valve formed of a flexible material. An elongated stent member is provided in the valve and includes terminal ends. A plurality of flexible post members are formed in the stent member. Each post member includes a pair of opposite sides. A crimp collar interconnects the terminal ends of the stent member. The crimp collar is positioned between adjacent post members. A first radius is formed in the stent member between the crimp collar and an adjacent side of each adjacent post member. A plurality of second radii are formed in the stent member between an opposite side of a first one of the adjacent post members and an opposite side of a second one of the adjacent post members. The second radii are greater than each first radius.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-stressing devices incorporating materials subject to stress softening is disclosed, as well as the resulting device. The method includes fabricating a heart valve with an inflow side and an outflow side. At least a portion of the heart valve includes a material subject to stress softening. The material experiences stress when a pressure differential occurs between the inflow side and the outflow side of the valve. The method includes creating a stress in the material prior to implantation in order to stabilize the stress/strain response of the material prior to implantation.

Abstract: A heart valve is disclosed which includes a valve body and a plurality of flexible leaflets coupled to the valve body. The plurality of leaflets has an open position and a closed position. Each of the plurality of leaflets comprises a belly when the plurality of leaflets are in their respective closed positions. The belly of one or more of the plurality of leaflets has a continuous curvature except for a non-continuous portion.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis includes a molded body and a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes a free margin having opposite ends and a mid-point. The opposite ends are attached to a peripheral portion of the valve. Each free margin is adjacent each other free margin to form a natural-state non-uniform gap therebetween. The gap has a maximized width adjacent the mid-point of each leaflet. Each free margin is scalloped to form a peak at the opposite ends and a mid-point peak between the opposite ends. Each peak is substantially the same height above the base.

Abstract: A synthetic ester composition exhibiting low odor, and high thermal and oxidative stability which comprises the reaction product of: (a) a polyol which comprises at least dipentaerythritol, e.g., technical grade pentaerythritol and mixtures of technical grade pentaerythritol or dipentaerythritol and monopentaerythritol; and (b) a mixture of monocarboxylic acids comprising at least one linear acid selected from the group consisting of between C5-C10 acids and at least one branched acid selected from the group consisting of C7-C9 acids, wherein the amount of C5 and C6 acids is between about 20 to 45 weight %, based upon the total amount of said mixture of monocarboxylic acids, and wherein said synthetic ester composition has a viscosity of at least 4 cSt at 99° C., a viscosity of less than about 8,000 cSt at 40° C., and a pour point of at least as low as −54° C.

Abstract: A propene ether is selectively oxidized to an aldehyde-masked 2-hydroxypropanal using a metal-containing oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A lubricating oil comprising an add mixture of the following components: (A) a complex alcohol ester basestock which comprises the reaction product of an add mixture of the following: (1) a polyhydroxyl compound represented by the general formula:R(OH).sub.nwherein R is any aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic hydrocarbyl group and n is at least 2, provided that the hydrocarbyl group contains from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms; (2) a polybasic acid or an anhydride of a polybasic acid, provided that the ratio of equivalents of the polybasic acid to equivalents of alcohol from the polyhydroxyl compound is in the range between about 1.6:1 to 2:1; and (3) a monohydric alcohol, provided that the ratio of equivalents of the monohydric alcohol to equivalents of the polybasic acid is in the range between about 0.84:1 to 1.2:1; wherein the complex alcohol ester exhibits a viscosity in the range between about 100-700 cSt at 40.degree. C. and having a polybasic acid ester concentration of less than or equal to 70 wt.

Abstract: A crankcase engine lubricant which comprises the add mixture of the following components: (A) a lubricating oil which comprises the add mixture of the following components: a complex alcohol ester basestock and at least one additional basestock; and (B) an additive package; wherein the crankcase engine lubricant exhibits a percent fuel economy improvement in the range between about 0.3 to 5.0%, versus the lubricating oil without the complex alcohol ester basestock.

Abstract: A biodegradable two-cycle lubricant which is prepared from an add mixture of: (1) a biodegradable lubricating oil comprising an add mixture of the following components: a complex alcohol ester basestock which comprises the reaction product of an add mixture of the following: a polyhydroxyl compound represented by the general formula:R(OH).sub.nwherein R is any aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic hydrocarbyl group and n is at least 2, provided that the hydrocarbyl group contains from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms; a polybasic acid or an anhydride of a polybasic acid, provided that the ratio of equivalents of the polybasic acid to equivalents of alcohol from the polyhydroxyl compound is in the range between about 1.6:1 to 2:1; and a monohydric alcohol, provided that the ratio of equivalents of the monohydric alcohol to equivalents of the polybasic acid is in the range between about 0.84:1 to 1.2:1; wherein the complex alcohol ester exhibits a viscosity in the range between about 100-700 cSt at 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the distillation of the glycidyl ester reaction product of a straight or branched chain saturated monocarboxylic acid or salt thereof and an halo-substituted monoepoxidc is disclosed, wherein the reaction product is subjected to conditions of temperature and vacuum in a thin film, short pass distillation apparatus such as a wiped film evaporator. The product distillate has significantly reduced color than the reaction product prior to distillation, and has improved heat and color stability.

Abstract: Basic zirconium carboxylates of branched chain aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having 5 to 10 carbon atoms are disclosed. The carboxylates may be used, inter alia, as driers for paints and inks.

Abstract: High basicity calcium carboxylates useful as lubricant and fuel additives and in paints are obtained by carbonating a mixture of a C.sub.7 to C1.sub.5 carboxylic preferably branched chain oxo-acid and excess calcium at from 15.degree. to 60.degree. C. in the presence of a volatile solvent. Products with a basicity of from 4 to 8 may be obtained.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the catalytic norbornylation of aromatics comprising the steps of contacting norborene and an aromatic hydrocarbon with an acidic solid catalyst containing a Group IVB metal oxide modified with an oxyanion of a Group VIB metal under norbornylation conditions to evolve a product containing norbornylated aromatics.

Abstract: A mono-methylation process for the production of methylated aromatics by reacting aromatics with dimethylcarbonate in the presence of a metal oxide or binary metal oxide catalyst. A process for preparing toluene from benzene by reacting with dimethylcarbonate and a process for preparing xylene from toluene by reacting with dimethylcarbonate are described.