Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having an annular support and an occluder-disc pivotally mounted in a fluid passageway of the annular support, where the annular support includes at least a first axis of symmetry. A pier that projects radially inwardly from an inner surface of the annular support and along the first axis of symmetry. A first arm projects inwardly from the inner surface of the annular support and a second arm that projects inwardly from the inner surface of the annular support so as to be in confronting spaced relation to the first arm thereby defining a second axis of symmetry. The first axis of symmetry and the second axis of symmetry are arcuately off-set from one another. A method of operation of the heart valve that reduces wear in the occluder-disc and noise is also presented.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis has a valve ring (1) having an opening (2) for the flow of blood. A valve poppet (3) is mounted in the opening (2) for closing and opening it. An annular curvilinear depression (9) is provided on an upper or distal side (6) of the poppet (3) for reducing the poppet mass. The poppet (4) is floatingly mounted between support structures (4, 5).

Abstract: A single warp-knitted pile fabric comprising loop courses of ground and pile threads, wherein the loops of the pile threads are run jointly with the ground loops and interconnected by the floats of these loops. Transfers are run on from the pile threads in the same courses as the loops of these pile threads. The floats of the transfers are laid in some courses to overlie the floats of the ground loops, whereas in other courses the floats of the transfers are laid to underlie the floats of the ground loops.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis comprises a valve ring having an opening for the flow of blood, a valve poppet floatingly mounted during opening and closing. For floatingly containing the poppet, and there is provided a single upper support and a lower support structure. The upper support has a flat portion supporting the poppet that bears thereagainst with a depression made in the top side of the poppet. The lower support structure has tabs for supporting the poppet so that the poppet is in the surface-to-the surface contact with the upper support and tabs of the lower support structure when the poppet is in the open position.

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis including an annular body having a valving member and a suturing collar. The collar has a V-shaped groove in which is mounted a movable disc segment intended for covering calcinosis. There is provided a cord for retaining the disc segment in a desired angular position relative to the suturing collar.

Abstract: A gas-discharge chamber electrode is proposed, comprising a hollow metal member with an emitting portion on the gas-discharge side and with coolant pipes. The hollow metal member is coated on the outside, except for the emitting portion, with a high-temperature dielectric. The electrode system includes at least two such electrodes.