| 摘要 |
<p>An improved trileaflet mechanical heart valve (100) and an improved leaflet (110) for use with such valve. 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 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 leaflets (110) are airfoil-like having a complex S-shaped curvature on their outer surface. This 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. Thus, the leaflet (110) begins to close much earlier than a conventional leaflet and is substantially closed before the flow reverses, similar to the function of a natural valve.</p> |
