Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collapsible and self-expanding cannula for a percutaneous heart pump. The collapsible and self-expanding cannula comprises an open proximal end, an open distal end, and an elongate fluid-impermissible wall structure that includes a first balloon film, a cannula strut, and a second balloon film. The first balloon film is disposed on an interior surface of the cannula, the second balloon film is disposed on the exterior surface of the cannula, and the cannula strut is between the two balloon films. Together they form an integrated hybrid structure upon thermal fusion bonding. Also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing the collapsible and self-expanding cannula.

Abstract: Methods of preparing calcification-resistant bioprosthetic tissue include providing fresh biological tissue, cross-linking the tissue, treating the cross-linked tissue with an alcohol for a time sufficient to allow the alcohol to be diffused into the tissue, and treating the alcohol-treated fixed tissue with a polyol for a time sufficient to allow fluid in the tissue to be replaced by the polyol. The methods may include sterilizing the cross-linked tissue in a solution including propylene oxide or peracetic acid either before or after the alcohol treatment step; or drying the alcohol/polyol-treated, cross-linked tissue, sterilizing the dried tissue by exposure to ethylene oxide or peracetic acid, and storing the sterilized tissue in a dry, ambient environment. The treated tissue may be a tissue component for a bioprosthetic valve, a valve assembly for a bioprosthetic valve or a fully assembled bioprosthetic valve incorporating the tissue.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve packaging system includes a jar, a lid, a lid liner, and a humectant. The jar has a closed end, an open end, a side wall and an interior sized to receive the prosthetic heart valve. The lid is connected to the open end of the jar. The lid liner includes a rim sandwiched between the lid and the side wall of the jar to provide a fluid-tight seal. The humectant is supported within the interior of the jar. The humectant may be supported by the lid liner. The lid liner may include one or more windows so that the humectant may provide a desired humidity to the inside of jar to maintain a desired water content in the tissue of the valve. The system may obviate the need to store the valve in a dry state, or to otherwise store the valve submerged in an aldehyde solution.