| abstract |
An annular sewing member mounted on the base of a heart valve and attached to heart tissue with sutures. The sewing member has spaced outwardly directed flanges connected with a body forming a central annular outwardly open groove adapted to accommodate heart tissue after the natural heart valve has been removed. The flanges are relatively thin and contain an internal core of cured plastic, as Silastic. The flanges can be fabric without an internal core. A heat shrunk collar or sleeve surrounded with cord retains the suturing member in movable assembled relation with the base of the heart valve to permit angular orientation of the valving member of the valve. Stitches extend through one of the sewing member flanges and the heart tissue attaching the sewing member to the heart tissue. The knots of the stitches are located under the second flange, thereby protecting the knots and minimizing clots. The flange without knots form a smooth surface with a thin endothelium tissue layer. In another form, the stitches extend through both of the flanges to provide a stronger mechanical attachment of the sewing member to the heart tissue. |