Exhibit 23


                         Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-3 No. 333-33017 pertaining to the registration of 1,568,940 shares of ATS
Medical, Inc. common stock, Form S-8 No. 33-44940 pertaining to the 1987 Stock
Option and Stock Award Plan of ATS Medical, Inc. (formerly Helix BioCore, Inc.),
Form S-3 No. 33-60104 pertaining to the registration of 3,710,676 shares of ATS
Medical, Inc. common stock, and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 No.
33-89070 pertaining to the registration of 900,000 shares of ATS Medical, Inc.
common stock, of our report dated February 6, 1998 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of ATS Medical, Inc. included in
the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.

                                                 Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 25, 1998