Abstract: A bolster assembly (1, 5; 110) for mounting upon a surgical stapler instrument (7, 120) to prevent displacement of activated staple from the stapled tissue (9, 129), includes a tissue reinforcing or bolster material (1, 112) secured to a carriage and support structure (5, 116) which facilitates the mounting of the bolster material (1, 112) on the stapler, in which the bolster material (1, 112) is removably fastened to the support structure (5, 116) by a single length (2, 122) of continuous filament, in order to facilitate removal of the filament and unfastening of the bolster material (1, 112) from the support structure (5, 116).

Abstract: A method of treating aldehyde-tanned biological tissue minimizes in vivo calcification and reduces cytotoxicity without impairing the mechanical strength of the tanned tissue. The method includes the step of treating the aldehyde-tanned biological tissue with at least one liquid polyol having the formula: ##STR1## where R is CH.sub.2 OH or an alkyl group, and R' is H, an alkyl group or an O-acyl where the acyl is C.sub.2 -C.sub.9 or a carboxyalkyl; or ##STR2## where R is H or an alkyl group, and R' is H, an alkyl group, O-alkyl or O-carboxyalkyl. Preferred polyols are propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 2,3-butylene glycol and glycerol, and the polyol is preferably a diol.

Abstract: A mitral heart valve replacement of essentially flexible bioincorporable material comprising a generally D-shaped (30) sewing ring having an opening (31) with at least one long straight side portion (32), an anterior cusp (33) hinged contiguously from that straight side portion (32) a posterior cusp (34) hinged contiguously from a shorter side portion (35) of the opening (31) opposite the anterior cusp (33), and two lateral cusps (36A & 36B) hinged contiguously one from each of the remaining side portions of the opening (31) extending between adjacent ends of the side portions (35) from which the anterior (33) and posterior cusps (34) are hinged, together with chordae of bioincorporable material extending from edge portions of the cusps for connection to the papillary muscles in the cavity of the ventricle when the sewing ring is sutured to the atrio-ventricular junction of the host or patient heart.