Abstract: A sewing ring for prosthetic heart valves that is connected and configured to pivot outward. A biocompatible fabric covering surrounds at least a portion of the sewing ring, and the ring may be exclusively connected to a stent with the fabric. The sewing ring may be generally planar and of uniform thickness, or may be of varying thickness. The fabric may be used to encompass both the stent and the sewing ring, and may be a single piece. A seam may be provided in the fabric as a discrete pivoting line. The sewing ring may be convertible between bi-stable positions. The ring may extend outward in a frusto-conical shape so as to enable inversion between a position facing the inflow end of the valve and a position facing the outflow end of the valve. The sewing ring may have a compliant insert having a celled construction defined by outer walls and inner ribs. A method of implantation, and a method of assembly of the heart valve is also provided.

Abstract: A new exercise apparatus utilizing elastic straps for providing resistance to muscles of the body. The inventive device includes a body harness that is adapted for extending across a back and a pair of shoulders of a user. The body harness has a T-shaped portion to help hold the body harness in place. The T-shaped portion is adapted for extending downwardly from the body harness along the back of the user. The T-shaped portion having a pair of horizontal torso straps which are adapted for adjustable extension around the torso of a user. A set of arm bands has a pair of upper arm bands and a pair of wrist bands. The upper arm bands and the wrist bands are connected by a plurality of resiliently elastic arm resistance straps. The pair of upper arm bands is coupled to the body harness. Each of the upper arm bands is adapted for adjustably wrapping around an upper arm towards a shoulder of the user. The pair of wrist bands are adapted for extension around wrists of the user.