Abstract: A bi-leaflet heart valve having an improved hinge arrangement that, in combination with the disclosed curved surfaces of the leaflets, allows the valve to respond more quickly to flow reversal and minimizes fluttering of the leaflets in the open position. The leaflets are slidably and pivotally mounted in a heart valve body for movement between closed and open positions. The leaflets have notches which matingly engage complementary surfaces on pivot projections extending inward from the valve body sidewall. The shape and relationship of these complementary surfaces and the two-dimensional curvature of the leaflets provides for improved operating characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heart valve of the bi-leaflet type having an improved hinge arrangement that allows the valve to respond more quickly to flow reversal and minimizes fluttering of the leaflets in the open position. The leaflets are slidably and pivotally mounted in a heart valve body for movement between closed and open positions. The leaflets have notches which matingly engage complementary surfaces on pivot projections extending inward from the valve body sidewall. The shape and relationship of these complementary surfaces provides for improved operating characteristics.

Abstract: A temporary circulatory assist pump is disclosed for implantation in the heart of a patient through the femoral artery. The pump is driven by a flexible drive shaft extending through a catheter and being connected to a power source outside the body of the patient. The pump utilizes a helical-shaped foil impeller to pump blood at a rate of approximately three to four liters per minute through the circulatory system of the patient.

Abstract: A heart valve having a pair of leaflets of identical construction provides low pressure drop and freedom from thrombosis and hemolysis. The leaflets have flat sections wherein a pivot mechanism is incorporated and curved sections which are located downstream of the flat sections. The outflow or facing surface of each of the two leaflets is of two-dimensional, convex curvature whereas the opposite or inflow surface regions are of a composite concave-convex curvature on both sides of a central ridge which bisects the curved inflow surface section of each leaflet. The curvature of the downstream regions of each leaflet is fashioned so that a peripheral surface, which extends about the arcuate downstream edge of each leaflet, is of a substantially constant and relatively minimal thickness.

Abstract: A temporary circulatory assist pump is disclosed for implantation in the heart of a patient through the femoral artery. The pump is driven by a flexible drive shaft extending through a catheter and being connected to a power source outside the body of the patient. The pump utilizes a helical-shaped foil impeller to pump blood at a rate of approximately three to four liters per minute through the circulatory system of the patient.

Abstract: A heart valve of the bi-leaflet or monoleaflet type having improved reductions in drag on blood flow through the fully opened heart valve. The leaflets are pivotally mounted in a heart valve body for movement between closed and opened positions. The leaflets have opposed inflow and outflow surfaces. The inflow surface includes a concave region located downstream of the leaflet pivot axis, and a convex region located downstream of the concave region. The outflow surface of the leaflets is generally convex, at least in that portion directly opposing the concave and convex regions of the inflow surface. The angle of leaflet opening is controlled to values ranging between 70.degree. and about 89.degree..