Abstract: Approaches are described for depositing antimicrobial elemental metal and/or metal compounds within a medical article. The medical article generally includes biocompatible material that can contact bodily fluids. In particular, antimicrobial elemental metal can be deposited on and in a biocompatible material such as tissue. Chemical, photochemical and electrochemical processes for depositing elemental metal are described. In addition, an antimicrobial metal compound can be deposited by precipitation of the compound from a solution of metal cation. Antimicrobial metal deposits may reduce the incidence of infection associated with contacting a recipient medical patient with the biocompatible material.

Abstract: This invention relates to bioprosthetic heart valve stents that are fashioned of bioresorbable materials. Such stents may be configured as sheaths or frames contoured to the shape of a valvular graft. The stents are eventually resorbed by the patent, leaving a functional "stentless" valve with improved hemodynamic characteristics compared to stented valve implants.