Importance

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Abstract

An improved valve prosthesis for causing non-traumatic unidirectional flow of a pulsatory fluid, such as blood, through a conduit, such as a blood vessel by means of magnetic force. The valve may include two flaps, made of a suitable flexible material, attached by the proximal ends to opposite sides of a covered annular mounting structure. A pair of magnetic members are connected to the distal ends of the flaps thereby to exert either repulsive or attractive force to permit the smooth, non-traumatic closure of the valve flaps. If repulsive force is used, the opposite sides are prevented from impacting traumatically. In another embodiment a pair of rigid flaps are mounted for pivotal movement along a common diametrical line and prevented, by magnetic repulsive force, from impacting traumatically in either the closed or open positions.

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First Claim