artificial heart valve, method for implanting an artificial heart valve, method of manufacturing an artificial heart valve, leaflet for an artificial heart valve, trainer for use in manufacturing an artificial heart valve, attachment ring, and, artificial heart valve assembly

摘要

An artificial heart valve comprises a support structure defining an aperture for blood flow and a flexible leaflet attached to the support structure along first and second at least partially straight lines of attachment. The leaflet is movable relative to the support structure between an open configuration in which the leaflet permits blood flow through the aperture and a closed configuration in which the leaflet restricts blood flow through the aperture. The aperture defines an axis and a lateral cross-section taken through the leaflet in a plane lateral to the axis defines an outwardly convex portion, an outwardly concave portion and a junction between the convex and concave portions. A length of the convex portion of the lateral cross-section comprises a greater proportion of a total length of the lateral cross-section in the open configuration than in the closed configuration.