Abstract: The invention relates to an aortic cannula for delivering fluid, especially blood, into a vessel of the human body, particularly the aortic arch. Said aortic cannula comprises an elongate basic cannula body into which the fluid is directed, an orifice from which the fluid is discharged at the distal end of the basic cannula body in a basic direction of flow defined by the basic cannula body, as well as at least one first deflecting element and a second deflecting element that are disposed in front of the orifice within the flow path of the fluid. Said at least one deflecting element and said second deflecting element are respectively provided with a passage opening that is aligned relative to the orifice, and a deflecting area which redirects the portion of the fluid, which does not flow through the passage opening.

Abstract: In an artificial heart valve for the replacement of an aortic or a mitral valve, including an annular body, which is provided at its outer circumference with means for mounting the artificial valve in place by surgical procedures and which defines in its interior a blood flow passage in which valve flap elements are pivotally supported so as to open or close the blood flow passage depending on their pivot positions, the annular body includes circumferentially spaced projections extending into the flow passage and being provided at their inner ends with pivot joints on which the valve flap elements are pivotally supported.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel prosthesis, particularly for the replacement of aorta segments near the heart, in the form of a pleated flexible tube with folds (3), the tube being configured as an arc, and the arc shape being fixed in an extension-resistant manner, in the non-implanted state, by means of extension limiters.

Abstract: In an artificial heart valve for the replacement of an aortic or a mitral valve, including an annular body, which is provided at its outer circumference with means for mounting the artificial valve in place by surgical procedures and which defines in its interior a blood flow passage in which valve flap elements are pivotally supported so as to open or close the blood flow passage depending on their pivot positions, the annular body includes circumferentially spaced projections extending into the flow passage and being provided at their inner ends with pivot joints on which the valve flap elements are pivotally supported.

Abstract: In a cardiac assist device, a housing has an inlet and outlet connectable to a patient's cardiovascular system. A pump is located within the housing to force blood that has entered through the inlet out through the outlet. The pump is connectable between the patient's left atrium and the aorta so as to assist the function of the left ventricle. A motor unit is also disposed within the housing, hermetically sealed from the pump. The whole unit is wholly implantable in a patient's chest. Permanently sealable valves, disposed in the inlet and outlet, may be closed without any invasive procedure to isolate the device from the heart once cardiac function assist is no longer required. The device may remain implanted within the patient indefinitely after the valves have been closed, and there is no requirement for a surgical procedure to remove the device once it is de-activated.