Abstract: A heart valve stiffening ring of this disclosure includes a split ring that allows assembly over a channel-shaped heart-valve-orifice-forming angular heart valve body, with the split ring having an outer peripheral tapered thread, which allows adjustment of pressure between the split ring and the orifice-forming annular body. A solid ring or nut has complementary tapered threads to mate with the outer peripheral tapered thread of the split ring and is adjustable for tightening of interfit thereof to bring about correct pressure for desired tightening effect with a moment of inertia in bending of the outer channel to make the orifice stronger so that orifice outer diameter thereof can be a maximum value. The angle of taper is substantially 3 degrees with respect to the center line. This heart valve stiffening ring can be employed in place of a heart valve locking ring of U.S. Design Pat. No. 376,206-Reif issued Dec. 3, 1996.

Abstract: A heart valve stiffening ring having a clasp with first and second radial ends interengageable complementary to each other from unlocked position into interlocked position relative to annular members the heart valve and fabric tube respectively cloth wrapped around the suture heart valve stiffening ring as well as a filler ring as an outer annular ring of material are fitted concentrically around the metal stiffening ring per se and collectively are surrounded by the fabric tube of cloth wrapped around the heart valve locking ring and a filler ring surrounding the heart valve radially inwardly thereof. The locking ring serves as a stiffening ring located radially intermediate the filler ring and heart valve locking ring surrounded by the fabric tube respectively cloth wrapped around the assembly of the suture ring collectively therewith. At least two suture lines fix the fabric tube in place.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a mechanical heart prosthesis includes internal recesses on an inside surface of an orifice ring having portions thereof near the recesses tapered to reduce flow resistance and minimize turbulence to improve hemodynamic efficiency of the heart valve prosthesis, to reduce its hemolytic potential, and possibly reduce its thrombogenicity by having no regions of stasis within the recess. The pivot mechanism for the mechanical heart valve prosthesis enables contact between the entire length of tabs of the heart valve leaflets and the sides of the recesses when the leaflets are in both the fully open and fully closed positions. This increases the contact area between the tabs and the recesses, reducing the magnitude of the contact stresses and, therefore, improving the durability of the device.

Abstract: A universal rotator for heart valve prothesis is provided including a heart valve rotator body having a handle portion that extends in a direction remote from a polycarbonate plastic rotator. The rotator body is suitably joined to the end of the handle and includes a transverse slot with semi-circular wedge-shaped extensions adapted to engage a mitral heart valve and an aortic heart valve for rotation. The rotator is used to spin a subassembly of a heart valve within a sewing cuff and locking ring to a more favorable position. The rotator can be used with both sides of the heart valve corresponding to either the mitral or aortic positions. The universal heart valve rotator for bileaflet mechanical heart prostheses can be used to rotate both mitral and aortic valves with a single instrument.

Abstract: A mechanical artificial heart valve is provided and consists of an annular shaped orifice, to which a single (or multiple) bicurved leaflet(s) is (are) hinged. The curves are planar and are generated from two intersecting circular arcs. The valve is constructed to cause a predominately accelerating flow through the orifice. This significantly reduces the flow separation from the leaflets. In addition, the leaflets are shaped so as to reduce the closing reflux volume through the orifice during the regurgitation phase of flow. These improvements tend to significantly decrease the work load on the heart.

Abstract: A mechanical artificial heart valve is provided and consists of an annular shaped orifice, to which a single (or multiple) bicurved leaflet(s) is (are) hinged. The curves are planar and are generated from two intersecting circular acrs. The valve is constructed to cause a predominately accelerating flow through the orifice. This significantly reduces the flow separation from the leaftlets. In addition, the leaflets are shaped so as to reduce the closing reflux volume through the orifice during the regurgitation phase of flow. These improvements tend to significantly decrease the work load on the heart.

Abstract: A package for an urinary catheter consists of a generally rectangular tray with an open top, to which a peel-back cover is bonded, containing a catheter assembly, a syringe prefilled with bacteriostatic water, and two gloves. The catheter assembly is designed such that a urinary catheter may be simply and efficiently placed into the bladder under sterile conditions. The catheter assembly consists of a heat shrunk seal to hold the end cap, three intermediate caps with antiseptic soaked sponge tips bonded to the ends, and the tube-like guide in proximity therewith. The catheter passes through the guide after removal of the heat shrunk seal and the systematic removal and utilization of the end cap and the three intermediate caps. A protective shroud encloses the distal end of the catheter, as it is bonded to the guide. A biocompatible lubricant is contained between the third intermediate cap and the guide.