Importance

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Abstract

A bileaflet heart valve comprising an annular base and pivoting leaflets. Each leaflet is 'free-floating' within recesses without fixed rotational axis in order to increase translational movement and redistribute stresses. Each recess fluidly communicates with a groove extending at least partially around the inner surface of the annular base and fluid flow is directed through the recesses at different angles during antegrade circulation, retrograde circulation, and valve closure. A recess entrance angle to each of the recesses preferably being less than about 35.degree. and the pivoting mechanism within the recess including first and second fulcrum edges of each leaflet shiftably engaged with side surfaces of the respective recesses. The leaflets have a beveled bottom side having two separate planar surfaces which lie at an angle to one another. In preferred embodiments, an upper planar surface of the bottom surface of each leaflet lies at an angle of greater than ninety (90) degrees with respect to a horizontal passing through a section of the annular base when the leaflet is in a fully open position.

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First Claim