Prosthetic heart valve
US5137532A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7898
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Bi-leaflet heart valves have improved flow characteristics in their open position as a result of employing valve bodies of elongated axial dimension. By elongating the axial dimension of valve bodies which have straight, smooth interior wall surfaces oriented parallel to the centerline through the valve and to the flow path of blood, and by employing a pair of occluders which have major surfaces that are rectilinear and can assume an orientation that is substantially parallel to the centerline in the open position, a streamlining of blood flow occurs. The pivot arrangements avoid the use of acute angular surface orientations and cause the occluders, although aligned substantially parallel to blood flow in the open position, to promptly pivot toward the closed position upon reversal of blood flow. This streamlining substantially reduces turbulence and results in low head loss, both significant advantages in bi-leaflet heart valve performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.