ROTATION LEAFLET FOR MECHANICAL HEART VALVE (VARIANTS) AND TRILEAFLET MECHANICAL HEART VALVE (VARIANTS)

摘要

The present invention relates to an improved trileaflet mechanical heart valve (100) and an improved leaflet (110) for use with such valve. The valve (100) and leaflet (110) of the present invention provide improved flow characteristics, minimize blood clotting behind the leaflets, and provide more natural opening and closing times. The valve includes a valve housing (105) which contains a?vot/hinge mechanism (130, 200, and 300) for allowing rotation of and retention of the leaflets (110). The valve housing (105) also includes windows or openings (125) which allows for complex washing of the pivot/hinge mechanism (130, 200, and 300) as well as the leaflets (110). The novel leaflets (110) are air fairing having a complex S-shaped curvature on their outer surface. This novel geometry, when combined with the location of the leaflet's pivot axis, causes a tendency for the leaflet (110) to rotate towards the closed position. Thus, the leaflet (110) begins to close much earlier than a conventional leaflet and is substantially closed before the flow reverses, similar to the function of a natural valve.