Abstract: Biological tissues may be prepared for use in biological prostheses. The biological tissue may be fixated with glutaraldehyde and may be subjected to successive treatment of the tissue with a solution containing taurine to neutralize excess aldehyde groups that remain free after fixation.

Abstract: A kit for implanting a prosthetic vascular conduit includes a prosthetic vascular conduit for coupling to a prosthetic valve having an annular portion. The conduit includes a terminal collar member for receiving the valve. The kit further includes a holder including a shaft and a hub including a receiving portion configured for housing a prosthetic valve. The conduit is fitted on the holder so that at least a portion of the conduit wraps over the receiving portion of the hub. A sleeve member fitted onto the conduit in a position corresponding to the receiving portion of the hub, and a portion of the collar member is wrapped or folded over the sleeve member. The sleeve member is slidable away from the hub to unwrap the collar member such that it is disposed around the annular portion of a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a perfusion system that is easy to set-up, use and monitor during a bypass procedure. In some embodiments, the disclosure pertains to a perfusion system in which at least some of the disposable components used with the perfusion system are configured to be able to communicate set-up and/or operational parameters to the perfusion system in order to unlock further functionality within the perfusion system.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve on biological tissue, includes first and second anchoring assemblies, mutually couplable to secure biological tissue therebetween. The anchoring assemblies include at least one pair of complementary arched portions having anchoring formations for anchoring on the biological tissue. The anchoring formations include integral extensions of the anchoring assemblies extending radially outwardly of one of the anchoring assemblies.

Abstract: A method of repairing a native cardiac valve such as the aortic valve includes positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis at an implantation site proximate the native cardiac valve to be repaired. The cardiac valve prosthesis includes an armature and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets, the armature including first and second annular elements, a plurality of anchor members extending between the first and second annular elements, and a plurality of valve support members extending from at least one of the first and second annular elements, the plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets being coupled to and supported by the valve support members.

Abstract: A kit for facilitating crimping of a prosthetic heart valve for implantation at an aortic valve site in a human heart, the aortic valve site including a plurality of valve sinuses, the kit comprising a prosthetic aortic heart valve having a tubular structure and a first central axis including an anchoring structure comprising an annular outflow member, an annular inflow member, and a plurality of axial connection formations arranged in pairs angularly distributed around the central axis, and a plurality of leaflets coupled to the anchoring structure and adapted to substantially allow blood flow in a first direction and to substantially prevent blood flow in a second direction.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Abstract: A blood reservoir may be used in combination with other elements such as a heart lung machine (HLM), oxygenator, heat exchanger, arterial filter and the like to form an extracorporeal blood circuit that may be employed in a procedure such as a bypass procedure. The blood reservoir may be configured to receive, filter and store blood from a number of sources including vent blood (from within the heart), venous blood (from a major vein), purge blood (from a sampling line) and cardiotomy or suction blood (from the surgical field).

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to provide a cross-flow or radially directed blood flow through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger and an arterial filter. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some cases, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood.

Abstract: A perfusion system that is easy to set-up, use and monitor during a bypass procedure includes at least some disposable components configured to communicate parameters to the perfusion system. An ultrasonic blood level sensor can be used to monitor a blood level or volume within a blood reservoir. The blood level sensor may be utilized in an integrated perfusion system in which the disposable components are configured, as noted above, to communicate with the perfusion system.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a perfusion system that is easy to set-up, use and monitor during a bypass procedure. In some embodiments, the disclosure pertains to a perfusion system in which at least some of the disposable components used with the perfusion system are configured to be able to communicate set-up and/or operational parameters to the perfusion system. In some embodiments, the disclosure pertains to a blood level sensor that can be used to monitor a blood level or volume within a blood reservoir. The blood level sensor may be utilized in an integrated perfusion system in which the disposable components are configured, as noted above, to communicate with the perfusion system. In some embodiments, the blood level sensor may be utilized with a perfusion system lacking communication with disposables.