Abstract: A method of using sodium or potassium borohydride to reduce dehydrated, aldehyde treated biological tissues is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing the tissue, such as porcine heart valves or bovine pericardium; treating the tissue with an aldehyde, such as glutaraldehyde; dehydrating the tissue, for example by treatment with an anhydrous polar organic solvent such as ethanol; and, treating the tissue with sodium or potassium borohydride. Following reduction, the sodium borohydride may be extracted from the tissue with an organic solvent, such as ethanol. The tissue may be rehydrated for use in bioprosthetic implants such as heart valves and pericardial patches.

Abstract: A surgical stapler sleeve comprises a sheet of host-compatible material, a first edge of the sheet being folded back adjacent to a second edge of the sheet to give the sheet a tubular conformation, the first and second edges being releasably fastened to one another.