Abstract: An improved artificial mechanical heart valve prosthesis having an improved leaflet hinge mechanism which improves washing of the hinge recess, reduces leaflet closing impact force and decreases noise and wear. A generally annular valve body having an annular interior surface extending between an inflow rim and an outflow rim thereof defines an annular orifice therethrough. A pair of leaflets are supported on said annular valve body for alternately blocking blood flow in an inflow direction when seated against the annular interior side wall in a closed position and then allowing the flow of blood through said annular orifice in a predetermined blood outflow direction when rotated into an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modifying a pyrolytic carbon surface to improve adhesion between it and a subsequently added polymer and/or a bio-active compound. In particular, plasma depositing an oxygen-containing, silicon-containing film forming monomer on a pyrolytic carbon surface improves adhesion of a polymer thereto, wherein the modified pyrolytic carbon surface and silicone rubber has a wet adhesion peel force greater than the wet adhesion peel force between an unmodified pyrolytic carbon and silicone rubber as measured by ASTM D 903-49 after 28 days in an aqueous environment, typically, at least 10 times greater.

Abstract: An improved artificial mechanical heart valve prosthesis having an improved leaflet hinge mechanism which improves washing of the hinge recess, reduces leaflet closing impact force and decreases noise and wear. A generally annular valve body having an annular interior surface extending between an inflow rim and an outflow rim thereof defines an annular orifice therethrough. A pair of leaflets are supported on said annular valve body for alternately blocking blood flow in an inflow direction when seated against the annular interior side wall in a closed position and then allowing the flow of blood through said annular orifice in a predetermined blood outflow direction when rotated into an open position. Each leaflet is supported for pivotal movement by a pair of hinge mechanisms comprising a pair of convexly extending leaflet ears that each fit within a hinge recess formed in parallel planar surfaces of the annular interior side wall.

Abstract: A band-shaped annuloplasty device (e.g., C- or D-shaped ring) that is relatively rigid during handling and implantation and becomes relatively complaint after implantation. Preferably, the device includes a core material that softens after implantation.

Abstract: A prosthetic mechanical heart valve, and in particular, a bi-leaflet and/or a trileaflet mechanical valve formed with rigid frame and hinge elements for providing a stable reliable hinge mechanism with flexible leaflets formed of a thin elastomeric material adhering to and extending from the valve frame to form leaflet occluding sections bounded by outer peripheral edges for softening the opening and closing action of the valve leaflets. In one embodiment, the valve leaflet is formed of a rigid pyrolytic carbon frame supporting hinge elements and defining a leaflet pivot axis and a flexible leaflet body attached to the frame and defining a leaflet abutting section extending from one side of the valve frame and an occluding section extending from the other side of the valve frame to an arcuate leaflet seat.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic heart valve with a suturing ring having an impermeable or semi-impermeable coating over at least a portion of the surface thereof to prevent tissue ingrowth in the coated area or areas. The suturing ring is formed of a biocompatible fabric tube of a mesh weave having interstices permeable to tissue ingrowth and first and second axial ends fastened into a torus shaped, suturing ring body having an interior directed minor surface adapted to be fitted against the exterior annular wall of a valve body and an outward directed major surface. An upper ring shaped surface is formed adjacent the upper edge of the valve body and a lower ring shaped surface adjacent the lower edge of the valve body. The intermediate band is intended to be sutured into contact with the heart tissue orifice. First and second impermeable layer of biocompatible material fill the interstices of the mesh weave in the upper and lower ring shaped surface area.

Abstract: An improved artificial mechanical heart valve prosthesis having an improved leaflet hinge mechanism which improves washing of the hinge recess, reduces leaflet closing impact force and decreases noise and wear. A generally annular valve body having an annular interior surface extending between an inflow rim and an outflow rim thereof defines an annular orifice therethrough. A pair of leaflets are supported on said annular valve body for alternately blocking blood flow in an inflow direction when seated against the annular interior side wall in a closed position and then allowing the flow of blood through said annular orifice in a predetermined blood outflow direction when rotated into an open position. Each leaflet is supported for pivotal movement by a pair of hinge mechanisms comprising a pair of convexly extending leaflet ears that each fit within a hinge recess formed in parallel planar surfaces of the annular interior side wall.

Abstract: Multistrand carbon coated sutures comprising a plurality of small diameter fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 2.times.10.sup.6 psi, and a thin, smooth, adherent, isotropic carbon coating on the substrate fiber having particular properties including a tensile fracture strain of at least about 5%.

Abstract: Artificial vascular and patch grafts comprising a flexible elastic fabric substrate of predetermined shape fabricated from small diameter fiber having a tensile modulus of at least about 2.times.10.sup.6 psi, and a thin, smooth, adherent, isotropic carbon coating on the substrate fiber having particular properties including a tensile fracture strain of at least about 5%.