SELECTIVELY FLEXIBLE ANNULOPLASTY RING

摘要

An annuloplasty ring prosthesis 10 which is formed from a selectively flexible body element 14 having at least one defined length 16 about its circumference which is substantially rigid. The remainder of the body element gradually increases in flexibility. The body element 14 is a substantially annular shaped body element which is designed to be sutured to the annulus of a heart valve. The body element 14 is formed from a non-corrosive, anti-magnetic material, and is wrapped in a material 20 through which sutures can be drawn to suture the prosthesis to the heart valve annulus.