Abstract: A fluid check valve consisting of a pair of leaflets contained within an annular body member (10). These leaflets (16 and 17) open and close hemodynamically as a reaction to the natural pumping action of the heart. They open from the center outward based upon their S shape profile (45). Blood flows through the interior surface (12) of the annular body member and leaflets. These leaflets open and close relying upon, protruding rails from the annular body member (20 and 21) and their integrated stop means (31-38). The protruding rails guide the leaflets in a floating pivot action that virtually eliminates area of stasis and prevent thrombosis.

Abstract: A blood pumping device includes a receptacle for receiving blood and having a non-valved inlet and outlet openings coupled to an aorta and the femoral artery. The receptacle includes a surface having a peripheral portion coupled to a peripheral portion of a diaphragm, and having a port coupled to a pump. The pump may shrink the diaphragm to draw the blood into the receptacle and may expand the diaphragm to pump the blood in the chamber of the receptacle out of the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the receptacle and into the aorta and the femoral artery of the patient.