Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis includes an annulus and a closing element having three leaflets. Hinge mechanisms are provided for attaching each leaflet to a top region of an interior surface of the annulus. In one example, the leaflets have convexo-concave surfaces and a non-uniform thickness. In another example, the top region of the interior surface has two sets of ledges which can be formed by intersecting three pairs of cylindrical surfaces. Ledges within each set are evenly spaced about the interior surface, a ledge in one set alternating with a ledge in the other set. In a further example, a bottom region of the interior surface is formed by intersecting three cylindrical surfaces.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having an annular support and an occluder-disc pivotally mounted in a fluid passageway of the annular support, where the annular support includes at least a first axis of symmetry. A pier that projects radially inwardly from an inner surface of the annular support and along the first axis of symmetry. A first arm projects inwardly from the inner surface of the annular support and a second arm that projects inwardly from the inner surface of the annular support so as to be in confronting spaced relation to the first arm thereby defining a second axis of symmetry. The first axis of symmetry and the second axis of symmetry are arcuately off-set from one another. A method of operation of the heart valve that reduces wear in the occluder-disc and noise is also presented.