Abstract: A heart valve comprises a stent and a sewing cuff comprising a stiffening ring, wherein the stent and the stiffening ring are adapted to be snap-fitted. In one embodiment, the stent and the stiffening ring can together comprise one or more projections and one or more openings.

Abstract: Pannus-resisting implantable medical devices comprise one or more antimicrobial reservoirs, each such reservoir incorporating antimicrobial substances in predetermined distributions for timed release in vivo. Predetermined distributions of antimicrobial substances incorporated in antimicrobial reservoirs are achieved through use of fluid solvent carriers, which may comprise supercritical fluid solvents. Precipitation of antimicrobial substances from such solvent carriers in predetermined distributions is accomplished through evaporation and/or application of heating, cooling or decreased ambient pressure to the solvent carriers.

Abstract: Biocompatible prostheses, specifically, biocompatible heart valves, are described having incorporated therein an effective amount of coating applied thereto to render the valve resistant to in vivo pathologic thrombus formation and in vivo pathologic mineralization. Preferably, the coating is derived from a precursor having the formula: X—Y—Z wherein X is a chemically reactive group capable, upon activation, of bonding to the surface of the heart valve; Y is either null or a relatively inert skeletal moiety resistant to cleavage in aqueous physiological fluids; and Z is a functionally active moiety or a biocompatible agent.

Abstract: Biocompatible prostheses, specifically, biocompatible heart valves, are described which comprise a blend of a polyurethane (PU) and a polysiliconeurethane (PSU). Preferably, the polyurethane is a polyetherurethane (PEU). More preferably, it is a polyetherurethane urea (PEUU). Such prostheses typically exhibit reduced mineralization or thrombosis and/or reduced biological degradation.

Abstract: A mechanical heart valve and packaging wherein the mechanical valve is surrounded by a liquid. In one embodiment, a glutaraldehyde solution is used. In another embodiment, organic solvents are used. The liquid will not cause a particulate to form during storage. In addition, the liquid will not produce harmful changes in the polymeric sewing ring, for example. That is, the liquid does not cause degradation of the polymeric materials comprising the heart valve, nor does it cause swelling of such materials, nor the dissolution of polymeric materials.

Abstract: Biocompatible prostheses, specifically, biocompatible heart valves, are described which comprise a blend of a polyurethane (PU) and a polysiliconeurethane (PSU). Preferably, the polyurethane is a polyetherurethane (PEU). More preferably, it is a polyetherurethane urea (PEUU). Such prostheses typically exhibit reduced mineralization or thrombosis and/or reduced biological degradation.

Abstract: Biocompatible prostheses, specifically, biocompatible heart valves, are described having incorporated therein an effective amount of coating applied thereto to render the valve resistant to in vivo pathologic thrombus formation and in vivo pathologic mineralization.

Abstract: Pannus-resisting implantable medical devices comprise one or more antimicrobial reservoirs, each such reservoir incorporating antimicrobial substances in predetermined distributions for timed release in vivo. Predetermined distributions of antimicrobial substances incorporated in antimicrobial reservoirs are achieved through use of fluid solvent carriers, which may comprise supercritical fluid solvents. Precipitation of antimicrobial substances from such solvent carriers in predetermined distributions is accomplished through evaporation and/or application of heating, cooling or decreased ambient pressure to the solvent carriers.