Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel prosthesis or patch, made from a biocompatible polymer with microporous, finely-fibrillated structure and a method for improving the e-modulus of said vessel prostheses or patches. According to the invention, the vessel prostheses or patches are subjected to a full stretching (extension) with a degree of extension between 30% and 250% and subsequent restoration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic mitral heart valve consisting of a support housing (10) comprising a base ring (15) supporting two posts which point essentially in the direction of the ring axis and which are connected by arc-shaped walls (13, 14), these walls being used to fix two flexible leaflets. The free ends of said posts form an inner support for the leaflet. The base ring, as seen from above, has a closed, noncircular shape with a common longitudinal axis but two different-sized semi lateral axes. The posts lie on the longitudinal axis and form the transitional point from one half of the shape to the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing plastic film having a predefinable outline and/or even or uneven thickness, by machining preformed plastic film for separation and/or ablation. The method is used especially for producing flexible flaps for artificial heart valves. To produce a film having local variations in thickness and smooth edges where the piece of film has been cut, the invention provides for the plastic film to be separated and/or for specific areas to be ablated to the desired thickness by means of a laser beam.