Composite curvature bileaflet prosthetic heart valve with serpentine curve hinge recesses

摘要

A heart valve prosthesis having an annular valve housing or base and two leaflets supported for pivotable movement within the annular valve housing. Each valve leaflet possesses a composite curvature shape with pivoting hinges being purposely offset to the hydraulic force center of the annular valve housing to provide fast response of the leaflets to flow direction change. The hinge mechanism includes modified serpentine curved hinge recesses in the annular valve housing for receiving elongated leaflet ears allowing the leaflets to change their motion modes approaching the closed position to reduce leaflet-edge tangential velocity and impact of the minor edges against one another and the major edges against the housing seat upon closure. The composite curvature leaflets allow maximal central flow with consequent lower pressure drop during the open phase and minimal regurgitation during the closing phase. The curved leaflet major trailing edges in the open position reduces boundary separation and associated turbulence along the flow stream direction.