HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS HAVING A PIVOT DESIGN FOR IMPROVING FLOW CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

A heart valve prosthesis (10) having improved flow characteristics. A heart valve prosthesis (10) includes a valve body (12) and a pair of leaflet occluders (18). The valve body (12) includes an interior surface (14) that defines a central passage (16) for blood flow. The pair of leaflet occluders (18) are pivotably mounted in the passage via ears (30) or tabs that are received in recesses (44) formed in the interior surface that defines the central passage (16). The recesses (44) are formed with sloped sidewalls (48 ) to improve the blood flow therethrough. The recesses (44) are also formed su ch that the leaflet occluder ears (30) act against at least two surfaces (62) that limit the motion of the leaflet occluder to provide a more stable movement that is less damaging to blood cells.