Abstract: An expansible assist pump for implantation through the femoral artery (left ventricle) or the femoral vein (right ventricle) is used as circulatory support in patents with severe cardiac shock. The pump comprises a body pump, or external chamber, having a double lumen wall, that is expansible and of variable rigidity, and a transvalvular segment, or flexible "neck" of the pump, that conforms itself to the situation or position of "open" or "closed" of the aortic or pulmonary valves and avoids the need of using a valve in the discharge of blood from the pump. An internal balloon having a progressive wall thickness is provided and causes a sequential rhythm of inflation and deflation.

Abstract: A cardiac valvular prosthesis comprising an occluder disc, a supporting ring pivotally supporting said disc, and a suturing ring arranged on an outer portion of said supporting ring and adapted to facilitate suturing to the annulus of a cardiac valve to be replaced, said occluder disc having a hydrodynamic shape, an eccentrically positioned rotational axis far from the obturation plane of the disc, and hinges located in the central area of said disc, said occluder disc being pivotable between an open position disposed at an angle which is 90.degree. with respect to the supporting ring and a closed position wherein said disc is disposed at an angle of approximately 15.degree. with respect to said supporting ring.