Inventors:
Donald W. Hanson - Chanhassen MN
Richard W. Kramp - Arden Hills MN
Manuel A. Villafana - Minneapolis MN
Assignee:
ATS Medical Inc. - Plymouth MN
International Classification:
A61F 224
F16K 1500
Abstract:
An improved heart valve prosthesis arranged for permanent implantation to replace a defective natural heart valve, wherein the improved prosthesis device includes an annular body or ring designed to retain a pair of rotatable flat plate occluders. The structure of the present invention contains modifications which improve the flow dynamics therethrough, and reduce if not eliminate the formation of eddies or areas of stasis in and along the flow pattern. The annular ring is provided with oppositely disposed pairs of spherical segments which form pivot areas for the occluders, with the occluders being provided with concavities engageable with the spherical segments. Stops are provided for controlling the degree of arcuate travel or rotational skirt of motion. The abutment surfaces are arranged at positions spaced from the axis of rotation so as to improve the distribution of stresses created during closure. The flow channel through the annular body or ring is designed to expand or flare outwardly from the flow inlet end toward the outlet end.