摘要 |
A heart valve replacement 12 is characterized by a two-part frame with ring-shaped parts 14, 15 and having cloth coverings 16, 17. At least one leaflet 18 is provided having a margin 18X passing between the two parts 14, 15 of the frame and secured by stitching 19 to the cloth covering 16 of one of the frame parts 14. The frame parts are secured together by stitching 20 between the cloth coverings 16, 17 on the outside of both parts whereby the flexure or hinging line 21 of the leaflet 18 is along the nip between the two cloth-covered frame parts 14, 15. Thus, the line 21 is intermediate the main body of the leaflet 18 and the stitching 19, 20, thereby completely eliminating any possibility of tearing between stitch holes.
|