Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for cleaning large bone grafts using a pressure mediated flow of solutions, and to the bone grafts produced thereby where the bone grafts are suitable for transplantation into a human. The present method includes inducing a positive and/or negative pressure-mediated flow of solvent through an opening in the bone shaft of the large bone graft thereby removing bone marrow elements, as well as any bacteria particles and/or virus particles present. The bone grafts produced are suitable for transplantation into a human and are essentially free from viral and bacterial contamination, for example, free from HIV infectious particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous, multi-step dilution process for producing tissue suitable for transplantation into a human from cryopreserved tissue. Cryopreserved tissue is subjected to a continuous flow of wash-out solution following a thawing or simultaneously thawing using the present continuous perfusion chamber. The present continuous perfusion chamber may be rigid or deformable and has an inlet port and an outlet port.

Abstract: A process for removing substantially all bone marrow from a large bone and a bone graft produced thereby. A large substantially intact bone is selected and excess cartilage is removed from at least one articulating surface of the bone. An opening is prepared through the cortical layer of the bone to permit access of a vacuum line to the bone cavity. A vacuum line is attached to the bone via the opening for application of vacuum to the bone cavity, and the opening is sealed. A vacuum is applied to draw a first cleaning solution through the bone cavity so as to draw the first solution and solubilized bone marrow through the vacuum line to exit the bone at the opening. The vacuum is discontinued when the bone has been substantially cleaned of bone marrow. Subsequently, a second flushing solution may be drawn through the bone cavity via vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for cleaning cadaveric donor bone to produce bone grafts suitable for transplantation into a human, as well as the bone grafts produced thereby. The present method involves removing bone marrow potentially containing bacteria, virus or fungi, from the donor bone by sonicating the bone in a solvent containing one or more detergents to produce bone grafts essentially free from bone marrow, as well as bone grafts essentially free from any detectable bacterial, fungal, or viral contamination.

Abstract: A biocompatible collagen/demineralized human bone composite material, method for making the same, and prostheses employing the same are disclosed, wherein the composite material may be formulated into a fluid injectable, gel or rehydratable freeze dried paste. The resultant products can be used either alone or combined with a prosthetic device as an osteoinductive/osteoconductive material.