Importance

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Abstract

A heart valve prosthesis and method for replacement of the same are disclosed. The prosthesis includes a sewing ring for permanent attachment to heart tissue, and a valve assembly which is replaceably mounted within the sewing ring in a spaced-apart relationship to define a cylindrical cutting path therebetween. The valve assembly is attached to the sewing ring by interconnecting sutures, but the cylindrical cutting path is otherwise devoid of structure which projects therebetween. Thus, replacement of the valve assembly can be accomplished by insertion of a cutting member, such as a thin scalpel blade, within the cylindrical cutting path, thereby simultaneously facilitating severing of the interconnecting sutures and any tissue ingrowth which may have formed between the sewing ring and valve assembly as the blade is worked around through the cutting path.

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First Claim