Mechanical valve systems with improved properties

Abstract

This invention provides mechanical valve device and ring systems for cardiac valve replacement, wherein the mechanical valve devices comprises two or more leaflets, each leaflet comprising at least a first material which reduces electrostatic forces between blood and device components, reduces adhesion between blood and device components or a combination thereof; and optionally further comprises at least a first magnet incorporated within at least one of the leaflets; and a valve constraining ring, comprising at least a first material which reduces electrostatic forces between blood and device components, reduces adhesion between blood and device components or a combination thereof; and internally located attachment regions for the leaflets; and optionally at least a second magnet of matched polarity to said first magnet, incorporated within the valve constraining ring at regions proximal to said first magnet within said leaflet such that repulsive forces are present when said first magnet and said second magnet are brought into proximity with each other in the absence of flow; and one or more extending projections, which reduce turbulent flow through the device, or proximally thereto, which are located on the leaflets of the valve device, or which are located on the constraining ring component of the device or a combination thereof. Uses of the valve and ring systems as described are provided as well.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.