Abstract: A flexible leaflet heart valve includes an annular body and an annular base portion connected to an end of the body. A fabric member is molded into the base portion to form an uninterrupted annular fabric band around the periphery of the base portion. The fabric band may include a first portion molded into the base and a second portion extending from the base. Alternatively, the fabric band may be entirely encapsulated in the base. The valve fabric can be sutured directly to patient tissue, or the valve fabric can be sutured to an adjacent sewing cuff which is sutured to patient tissue.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis including a heart valve formed of a flexible material. An elongated stent member is provided in the valve and includes terminal ends. A plurality of flexible post members are formed in the stent member. Each post member includes a pair of opposite sides. A crimp collar interconnects the terminal ends of the stent member. The crimp collar is positioned between adjacent post members. A first radius is formed in the stent member between the crimp collar and an adjacent side of each adjacent post member. A plurality of second radii are formed in the stent member between an opposite side of a first one of the adjacent post members and an opposite side of a second one of the adjacent post members. The second radii are greater than each first radius.

Abstract: A heart valve holder is provided for implanting a prosthetic heart valve in either an inflow (mitral or tricuspid) or an outflow (aortic or pulmonary) implantation. The valve holder may be repeatedly sterilized for multiple implantations. The valve holder includes holding members to securely hold the valve, a valve-sizing member to allow the holder to hold valves of various sizes, an over rotation stop to prevent the holder from impinging upon the valve leaflets, alignment members to align the holding members for receiving a valve, and means to rotate the valve without damaging the valve leaflets.