Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery device, kit, system, method, etc. for localized fusion of leaflets of a tissue valve, for example, a native heart valve, using an adhesive. The delivery device can have one or more capture features for capturing separate leaflets, for example, the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. An applicator can be configured to apply a biocompatible adhesive between the captured leaflets, and one or more curing elements can be configured to cure the applied biocompatible adhesive. The kit can have the aforementioned delivery device, and the biocompatible adhesive used therewith. The method can include positioning the aforementioned delivery device adjacent the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets, capturing the mitral leaflets between the paddles of the delivery device, applying a biocompatible adhesive between the captured mitral leaflets via the applicator, and curing the applied biocompatible adhesive via the energy elements to locally fuse the mitral leaflets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery device, kit, system, method, etc. for localized fusion of leaflets of a tissue valve, for example, a native heart valve, using an adhesive. The delivery device can have one or more capture features for capturing separate leaflets, for example, the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. An applicator can be configured to apply a biocompatible adhesive between the captured leaflets, and one or more curing elements can be configured to cure the applied biocompatible adhesive. The kit can have the aforementioned delivery device, and the biocompatible adhesive used therewith. The method can include positioning the aforementioned delivery device adjacent the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets, capturing the mitral leaflets between the paddles of the delivery device, applying a biocompatible adhesive between the captured mitral leaflets via the applicator, and curing the applied biocompatible adhesive via the energy elements to locally fuse the mitral leaflets.

Abstract: Methods for treating glutaraldehyde-fixed collagenous tissues to mitigate there propensity for subsequent calcification and to improve durability. Collagenous tissues which have been harvested and cross-linked by glutaraldehyde are exposed to a carboxyl activating agent to convert the free carboxyl (COOH) groups of the collagen molecules to activated carboxyl moieties (e.g., o-acylisourea). Thereafter, the collagenous tissue is exposed to a compound capable of reacting with the activated carboxyl moieties (e.g., o-acylisourea) to form non-carboxyl side groups. Monofunctional and multifunctional amines are examples of compounds which may be utilized to react with the activated carboxyl moieties to form such non-carboxyl side groups. Thereafter, the collagenous tissue is again exposed to glutaraldehyde. If the non-carboxyl side groups have functional amino groups (NH.sub.

Abstract: Methods for treating glutaraldehyde-fixed collagenous tissues to mitigate their propensity for subsequent calcification and to improve durability. Collagenous tissues which have been harvested and cross-linked by glutaraldehyde are exposed to a carboxyl activating agent to convert the free carboxyl (COOH) groups of the collagen molecules to activated carboxyl moieties (e.g., o-acylisourea). Thereafter, the collagenous tissue is exposed to a compound capable of reacting with the activated carboxyl moieties (e.g., o-acylisourea) to form non-carboxyl side groups. Monofunctional and multi-functional amines are examples of compounds which may be utilized to react with the activated carboxyl moieties to form such non-carboxyl side groups. Thereafter, the collagenous tissue is again exposed to glutaraldehyde. If the non-carboxyl side groups have functional amino groups (NH.sub.

Abstract: Variably compliant natural tissue valve leaflets and vascular bioprosthetics incorporating variably compliant leaflets are provided along with methods for their manufacture. The variably compliant leaflets are fixed with the leaflet base section under greater pressure than the leaflet tip section rendering them relatively stiff along the leaflet base section and more flexible at the leaflet tip section. The radially variable flexing characteristics of the valve leaflets promote even distribution of mechanical stress on the valve assembly during the cardiac cycle leading to improved hemodynamic performance while retarding the calcification of the leaflet tissue.

Abstract: Variably compliant natural tissue valve leaflets and vascular bioprosthetics incorporating variably compliant leaflets are provided along with methods for their manufacture. The variably compliant leaflets are fixed with the leaflet base section under greater pressure than the leaflet tip section rendering them relatively stiff along the leaflet base section and more flexible at the leaflet tip section. The radially variable flexing characteristics of the valve leaflets promote even distribution of mechanical stress on the valve assembly during the cardiac cycle leading to improved hemodynamic performance while retarding the calcification of the leaflet tissue.