| 摘要 |
<p>Single or double-leaflet heart valves (11) having improved flow (19) through the orifice defined by an annular valve (13) body include a pair of leaflets (15) which may be arcuate or flat in cross section. Guides (35) protrude oppositely from the leaflets and are received in complementary depressions (21) in the interior wall surface preferably of a pair of standards (23) which extend downstream from the annular valve body at generally diametrically opposite locations. The depressions (21) are preferably elongated so that, as the leaflets (15) pivot between the open and closed positions, the guides (35) move from one end of the elongated depressions (21) to the other. Eccentric pivot axes provide for quick response of the leaflets, and the location of the depressions (21) in the standards (23) moves the leaflets (15) out of the annular valve body, reducing resistance to the free flow of blood therethrough. The leaflet (15) valve members are preferably arcuate in cross section and may be essentially a portion of the wall of a circular tube.</p> |
