Abstract: A check valve assembly includes a first flapper, a second flapper, an internal passage formed by the first flapper and the second flapper, and a nozzle disposed within the internal passage and configured to generate an internal flow in the internal passage. In response to a fluid flow through the check valve assembly, the first flapper and the second flapper are configured to move between an open position allowing the internal flow through the internal passage and an outer flow outside the internal passage, and a closed position preventing flow through the internal passage. When the first flapper and the second flapper are operably in the open position, the internal flow has a lower pressure than the outer flow outside of the internal passage, such that the first flapper and the second flapper are maintained in the open position.

Abstract: Artificial heart valve structures and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. The heart valve structures may be fabricated from a biocompatible polymer and include one or more heart valve leaflet structures incorporated within a conduit. The valve structures may incorporate one or more conduit sinuses, as well as a gap between the lower margin of the valve leaflets and the interior of the conduit. In addition, the valve structures may include one or more valve sinuses created in a space between the valve leaflets and the conduit inner surface. Computational fluid dynamics and mechanical modeling may be used to design the valve leaflets with optimal characteristics. A heart valve structure may also incorporate a biodegradable component to which cells may adhere The incorporated cells may arise from patient cells migrating to the biodegradable component, or the component may be pre-seeded with cells prior to implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A device for reducing heart valve regurgitation including a plug for placing between natural heart valve leaflets, the plug shaped so that, upon systole, the natural heart leaflets coapt upon the plug, a frame attached to the plug by a bridging element, for supporting the plug between the natural heart valve leaflets, the frame having at least one dimension in a plane of the heart valve annulus which is wider than the diameter of the heart valve annulus, and a plurality of anchors attached to the device, for preventing the device from being swept upstream of the heart valve annulus upon systole. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A percutaneous heart valve prosthesis (1) has a valve body (2) with a passage (9) extending between the first and second ends (7, 8) of the valve body (2). The valve body (2) is collapsible about a longitudinal axis (10) of the passage (9) for delivery of the valve body (2) via a catheter (18). One or more flexible valve leaflets (3, 4) are secured to the valve body (2) and extend across the passage (9) for blocking bloodflow in one direction through the passage (9). An anchor device (5), which is also collapsible for delivery via catheter (18), is secured to the valve body (2) by way of an anchor line (6). A failed or failing mitral heart valve (101) is treated by percutaneously locating the valve body (2) in the mitral valve orifice (102) with the anchor device (5) located in the right atrium (107) and engaging the inter-atrial septum (103), such that the taught anchor line (6) acts to secure the valve body (2) within the mitral valve orifice (102).

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly that includes a stent, a tissue sleeve and an anchoring mechanism. By loading the three components of the valve assembly into a delivery catheter in a series formation, such that no two components are located within each other, the size of the delivery catheter can be reduced.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises an anchoring member, at least one leaflet, and a restraining member capable of temporarily preventing substantial movement of the leaflet between and open and closed position so as to allow fluid flow in the antegrade and retrograde directions. In various embodiments, the prosthetic valve reduces the risk of thrombosis. In various embodiments, the prosthetic valve reduces the appearance of potentially thrombogenic abnormal flow patterns at the site of implantation immediately following the implantation, allows cell deposition making the valve more biocompatible, less thrombogenic before flow changes resulting from valving action set in and allows tissue growth so that a partially or completely biological functioning valve may form on the scaffold provided by the implant.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis can be formed from an improved biocompatible material that provides for cellular colonization of the biocompatible material. Specifically, the biocompatible material is a rigid porous material. In embodiments of particular interest, the implantable prosthesis is a mechanical heart valve prosthesis with a rigid occluder. In some embodiments, the rigid occluder is formed from the biocompatible material. A filler comprising a hydrogel or a structural protein can be located within the pores. In some embodiments, a bioactive agent is within the pores. In some embodiments, the rigid occluder is formed from a polymer material, a carbonaceous solid or a ceramic material. The pores can extend through the rigid material.

Abstract: Prosthetic conduits include biocompatible material formed into a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section connected to the generally cylindrical section. The conduit has a lumen extending through the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. The biocompatible material may be tissue. The biocompatible material can include one segment or a plurality of segments joined together to form the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. The prosthetic conduit may include a reinforcement to prevent dilation or collapse of the conduit. The reinforcement can be placed at or near the junction of a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section and/or at other locations along the conduit. The prosthetic conduit may include a prosthetic heart valve. The prosthetic conduit can include tubules to facilitate attachment of coronary arteries to the prosthetic conduit The prosthetic conduit includes two sections that are joined to form the prosthetic conduit.

Abstract: A tri-leaflet heart valve includes an annular valve base with an inner surface forming an orifice through which blood flows from the upstream side to the downstream side. Three protruding hinges, each with concave sockets on opposite sides, are formed on the inner surface. Each hinge has a downstream face and an upstream face connected by a ridge. Three leaflets are respectively arranged between adjacent hinges. Each leaflet has round pivots on both sides that rest inside the concave sockets, allowing the leaflets to freely rotate in the annular valve base. When the leaflets are subject to a positive pressure from the blood flow, the leaflets are pushed open and allow a central flow. When the leaflets are subject to a negative pressure, the leaflets are closed to occlude the blood flow.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heart valve prosthesis having a configuration such that blood flow through it has a helical flow pattern such as to substantially reduce or eliminate turbulence and dead flow regions in the blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved trileaflet mechanical heart valve 100 and an improved leaflet 110 for use with such valve. The valve 100 and leaflet 110 of the present invention provide improved flow characteristics, minimize blood clotting behind the leaflets, and provide more natural opening and closing times. The valve includes a valve housing 105 which contains pivot/hinge mechanism (130, 200, and 300) for allowing rotation of and retention of the leaflets 110. The valve housing 105 also includes windows or openings 125 which allows for complete washing of the pivot/hinge mechanism (130, 200, and 300) as well as the leaflets 110. The novel leaflets 110 are airfoil-like having a complex S-shaped curvature on their outer surface. This novel geometry, when combined with the location of the leaflet's pivot axis, causes a tendency for the leaflet 110 to rotate towards the closed position.

Abstract: An improved trileaflet mechanical heart valve 100 can include an improved leaflet 110. The valve 100 and leaflet 110 provide improved flow characteristics, minimize blood clotting behind the leaflets, and provide more natural opening and closing times. The valve can include a valve housing 105 which contains pivot/hinge mechanism (130, 200, and 300) for allowing rotation of and retention of the leaflets 110. The valve housing 105 can also include windows or openings 125 which allows for complete washing of the pivot/hinge mechanism (130, 200, and 300) as well as the leaflets 110. The novel leaflets 110 are airfoil-like having a complex S-shaped curvature on their outer surface. This novel geometry, when combined with the location of the leaflet's pivot axis, causes a tendency for the leaflets 110 to rotate towards the closed position.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis with a valve ring and at least one substantially elongated wing valve pivotally mounted about an axis located in the plane of the valve ring, in which the bearings of the wing valve or valves are in each case formed by a swivel pin, defining the swivel axis and fixed to the valve ring, a groove constructed in the wing valve and extending therethrough transversely to the axis and whose width corresponds to the diameter and whose depth corresponds to the length of the swivel pin, a first guide pin fixed to the valve ring, a first, convex slide cam constructed on the wing valve and which cooperates with the first guide pin, a second guide pin fixed to the valve ring and a second, convex slide cam constructed on the wing valve and which cooperates with the second guide pin, the spacing from one another of the two slide cams measured over the imaginary connecting line between the centers of the guide pins, in each position of the wing valve, corresponds to the internal, mutual spacing of t