Abstract: Naturally-derived bioprosthetic materials are treated with epoxide crosslinking agents. In some embodiments, the tissue is crosslinked with low molecular weight epoxides in aqueous solutions at high pH levels. In other embodiments, the tissue is crosslinked at physiologic pH levels with epoxide crosslinking agents catalyzed with tertiary or quaternary amines, such as Tris or imidazole. In an advantageous embodiment, bioprosthetic tissue is crosslinked and derivatized with an anticalcification agent, such as a polyphosphonate anticalcification agent, using a polyphosphonate:polyepoxide monoadduct.

Abstract: Synthetic biomaterials are provided with irreversibly bound amino diphosphonate, polyphosphonate, or other anticalcification agent to prevent in vivo calcification. Such biomaterials include biocompatible elastomers such as polyurethane and/or polydimethylsiloxane, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Illustratively, reaction conditions utilizing hi-or polyfunctional epoxides result in epoxide bridge incorporation of the anticalcification agent to the biomaterial elastomer.

Abstract: A system for controlled release, site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents, particularly myocardial agents such as antiarrhythmic agents, comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix with an incorporated therapeutic agent for direct placement at the epicardium. Advantageously, the dosage form can be fabricated in such a manner as to tailor the release characteristics as required by the nature of the physical condition desired to be treated. In a specific illustrative embodiment, lidocaine, an antiarrhythmic depressant, is incorporated in polyurethane by a unique method which permits drug-loading of the polymeric matrix from about 5% up to 40% by weight, with about 25% to 30% in a preferred embodiment. A novel FeCl.sub.3 catalyst causes the polyurethane to polymerize despite the presence of drug in the polymeric matrix mixture.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic materials, either natural or synthetic, are treated with trivalent aluminum or iron cations, or salts, to prevent in vivo calcification. Such bioprosthetic materials include porcine aortic valve leaflets, bovine pericardium, aortic homografts, biocompatible elastomers, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Simple incubation of the natural bioprosthetic materials in an ion-containing solution, such as aqueous AlCl.sub.3 or FeCl.sub.3, prior to implantation has been found to inhibit calcification of the biomaterial over a prolonged period, and to do so without adverse side effects. Incorporation of an aluminum-containing compound into the formulation for polymers, such as polyurethane, has also been found to inhibit calcification with no adverse side effects.

Abstract: Synthetic biomaterials are provided with irreversibly bound amino diphosphonate, polyphosphonate, or other anticalcification agent to prevent in vivo calcification. Such biomaterials include biocompatible elastomers such as polyurethane and/or polydimethylsiloxane, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Illustratively, reaction conditions utilizing bi- or polyfunctional epoxides result in epoxide bridge incorporation of the anticalcification agent to the biomaterial elastomer.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic materials, either natural or synthetic, are treated with trivalent aluminum cations to prevent in vivo calcification. Such bioprosthetic materials include porcine aortic valve leaflets, bovine pericardium, aortic homografts, biocompatible elastomers, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Simple incubation of the natural bioprosthetic materials in an aluminum ion-containing solution, such as aqueous AlCl.sub.3, prior to implantation has been found to inhibit calcification of the biomaterial over a prolonged period and to do so without adverse side effects. Incorporation of an aluminum-containing compound into the formulation for polymers, such as polyurethane, has also been found to inhibit calcification with no adverse side effects.

Abstract: A biomaterial implant into which is incorporated a sustained release polymer containing an anticalcium agent.

Abstract: Compositions and processes featuring, in one aspect, a process of purifying a protein diagnostic for atherosclerosis comprising separating out of primate and human atherosclerotic tissue a Gla-containing protein of molecular weight of about 80,000.