Bileaflet heart valve with external leaflets

Claim 1

A fluid check valve comprising a generally annular orifice ring which has a smooth interior surface that defines a central passageway for blood flow therethrough, a pair of oppositely disposed, flow-actuated occluder means supported on said orifice ring for alternately blocking and then allowing the flow of blood through said passageway in a predetermined direction, a pair of recess means projecting generally radially inward from exterior surface of said orifice ring, which recess means are placed at locations generally diametrically opposing one another and have at least one elongated section, projections means extending generally outward from edge of each said occluder means which are receivable within said recess means, said projection means containing a hinge means comprising a flexible section, said flexible supporting said occluder means for pivotal movement and comprising a stop means to limit opening travel of said occluder means, seating means substantially about a downstream edge of said orifice ring, on which said occluder means are receivable when in the fully closed position, whereby said occluder means do not obstruct the free flow of blood through said passageway when said occluder means are in the open position.