Abstract: A check valve for cardiac surgery and the like has a hollow valve body supporting spring biased split leaflets hinged for swinging movement from the base thereof between normally closed position and open position wherein the leaflets form a continuation of one end of the hollow annular valve body. Out turned edges of the separable spring biased split leaflets are in sealed engagement with a seat on the valve body and terminate in longitudinal edges which are in sealed engagement with adjacent leaflet sealing edges in the normally closed position. Said longitudinal out turned edges provide braking action to slow the closing velocity of te leaflets during the closing portion of their cycle. Said longitudinal out turned edges are shaped to provide a cushioning effect at the instant of closure due to their resiliency and springiness thereby minimizing closing impact and blood cell damage.