Abstract: Devices and methods for reinforcing a tissue-based heart valve are provided. A reinforced tissue valve can provide structure and rigidity to withstand stresses that occur within the vasculature. In some instances, thickened tissue provides structure or rigidity. In some instances, a biocompatible filler is utilized within folded, rolled, or layered tissue. In some instances, a mesh is included with a reinforced tissue valve for further strength. In some instances, a mesh frame is utilized along the sidewall of a tissue-based heart valve. In some instances, a leaflet assembly is provided within a conduit having thickened tissue at the leaflet commissures.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for modifying antigenic carbohydrate epitopes within a xenographic bioprosthetic tissue by oxidation of vicinal diols to form aldehydes or acids and subsequence reductive amination of aldehydes to form stable secondary amines, or amidation or esterification of acids to form stable amides or esters. Advantageously, methods provided herein mitigate the antigenicity of the bioprosthetic tissue while leaving the overall tissue structure substantially undisturbed, and thereby enhance the durability, safety and performance of the bioprosthetic implant.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing collagen fibers comprising any one, a combination or all of the following: at least partially decellularizing a collagenous tissue; homogenizing the collagenous tissue; separating at least a portion of collagen fibers from the collagenous tissue; exposing the collagen fibers to an acidic solution before or after the separating; and forming at least one of a suture, a woven structure, a knitted structure, or a bioprosthetic device with the collagen fibers.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for modifying antigenic carbohydrate epitopes within a xenographic bioprosthetic tissue by oxidation of vicinal diols to form aldehydes or acids and subsequence reductive amination of aldehydes to form stable secondary amines, or amidation or esterification of acids to form stable amides or esters. Advantageously, methods provided herein mitigate the antigenicity of the bioprosthetic tissue while leaving the overall tissue structure substantially undisturbed, and thereby enhance the durability, safety and performance of the bioprosthetic implant.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for modifying antigenic carbohydrate epitopes within a xenographic bioprosthetic tissue by oxidation of vicinal diols to form aldehydes or acids and subsequence reductive amination of aldehydes to form stable secondary amines, or amidation or esterification of acids to form stable amides or esters. Advantageously, methods provided herein mitigate the antigenicity of the bioprosthetic tissue while leaving the overall tissue structure substantially undisturbed, and thereby enhance the durability, safety and performance of the bioprosthetic implant.