Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- This is an early prototype of a curvilinear-shaped artificial heart valve developed by pioneering heart surgeon Dr. Charles Hufnagel (1916-1989) and his team at the Georgetown University.
- The materials used to fabricate this prostethic were polypropylene cloth, metal frame and metal leaflets polypropylene coated in silicone. Because the silicone rubber proved to be less flexible than desired, their design was not used extensively.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Hufnagel, Charles A.
- Credit Line
- Charles A. Hufnagel, M.D.
- Physical Description
- polypropylene (overall material)
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 3/4 in x 1 in; 1.905 cm x 2.54 cm
- Object Name
- artificial heart valve
- cardiology
