Abstract: A method of treating a biological tissue including crosslinking with glutaraldehyde; immersing the biological tissue in a first solution containing glutaraldehyde and heat in the first solution to a temperature of about 50° C. for a first period of time; immersing the biological tissue in a second solution containing a mixture of a crosslinking agent, a denaturing agent and a surfactant; and immersing the biological tissue in a sterilizing solution containing glutaraldehyde and heating the sterilizing solution to a temperature of 37.5±2.5° C. for a sterilizing period of time. The method may include a terminal sterilization step in a method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices may be prepared by such fixation method. The fixation method may include the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g.

Abstract: A method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices prepared by such method. The method generally comprises the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to terminal sterilization.

Abstract: A method of treating a biological tissue including contacting the biological tissue with an aqueous sterilizing solution, and maintaining the aqueous sterilizing solution at a temperature of about 50° C. for a time period of about 1 to 2 days. The method of treating a biological tissue may be utilized as a terminal sterilization step in a method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices may be prepared by such fixation method. The fixation method may include the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to the terminal sterilization method. The aqueous sterilizing solution may be glutaraldehyde of about 0.625 weight percent buffered to a pH of about 7.4.

Abstract: A method for treating fixed biological tissue inhibits calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The method includes placing the biological tissue in contact with glutaraldehyde and then heating the glutaraldehyde. Alternatively, methods other than heating (e.g., chemical or mechanical means), for effecting polymerization of the glutaraldehyde may also be utilized. Alternatively, the tissue may be heat treated prior to fixing thereof. Alternatively, methods other than glutaraldehyde may also be used for fixing the tissue. The biological tissue may be so treated at any time prior to implantation thereof in a mammalian body.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic tissues are treated by immersing or otherwise contacting fixed, unfixed or partially fixed tissue with a glutaraldehyde solution that has previously been heat-treated or pH adjusted prior to its contact with the tissue. The prior heat treating or pH adjustment of the glutaraldehyde solution causes its free aldehyde concentration to decrease by about 25% or more, preferably by as much as 50%, and allows a “stabilized” glutaraldehyde solution to be obtained at the desired concentration and pH for an optimal fixation of the tissue at high or low temperature. This treatment results in a decrease in the tissue's propensity to calcify after being implanted within the body of a human or animal patient.

Abstract: A method for treating fixed biological tissue inhibits calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The method includes placing the biological tissue in contact with glutaraldehyde and then heating the glutaraldehyde. Alternatively, methods other than heating (e.g., chemical or mechanical means), for effecting polymerization of the glutaraldehyde may also be utilized. Alternatively, the tissue may be heat treated prior to fixing thereof. Alternatively, methods other than glutaraldehyde may also be used for fixing the tissue. The biological tissue may be so treated at any time prior to implantation thereof in a mammalian body.

Abstract: A method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices prepared by such method. The method generally comprises the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to terminal sterilization.

Abstract: A method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices prepared by such method. The method generally comprises the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to terminal sterilization.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.

Abstract: A method for treating fixed biological tissue inhibits calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The method includes placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, inducing relative tissue/solution movement, and heating the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.

Abstract: Calcification resistant bioprosthetic implants are made from tanned biological materials, such as porcine heart valves, bovine pericardium, human dura mater or the like, which has been impregnated with a calcification-mitigating effective amount of a ferric and/or stannic salt. The impregnated biological materials and processes are particularly advantageous for the preparation of bioprosthetic heart valves. These implants have been found to be highly resistant to calcification in vivo.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of implantable biological tissue, and in particular bioprosthetic heart valves, which are prone to calcification after implantation. The process includes treatment of tissue with solutions prior to implantation which have been found effective in reducing calcification of the implanted tissue.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of implantable biological tissue, and in particular bioprosthetic heart valves, which are prone to calcification after implantation. The process includes treatment of tissue with solutions prior to implantation which have been found effective in reducing calcification of the implanted tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.