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: 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: 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.