| abstract |
An outer support region (2), at least three leaflets (3, 4, 5), and a body region (6) extending between the support region (2) and the leaflets (3, 4, 5). An esophageal valve (1) comprising a polymer valve body. The valve (1) has a normally closed configuration in which the valve (1) is closed, and the leaflets (3, 4, 5) are opened in response to an antegrade force to allow flow through the valve (1). And a reverse release configuration that responds to a reverse force substantially greater than the forward force. |