Abstract: There is described a synthetic aortic conduit formed from two tubular porous layers having a non-bioresorbable sealant, such as SEPs, interposed therebetween. The synthetic aortic conduit can be attached to an aortic valve, such as a xenograft valve, to form an aortic root replacement prosthesis. The synthetic aortic conduit has the advantage that it can be stored in the preservative solutions required for tissue valves without degradation.

Abstract: A vascular graft comprised of a tubular polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet is provided. The ePTFE sheet has a substantially uniform coating of bioresorbable gel material, for example gelatin, on a surface thereof. The coating minimises bleeding through suture holes in the ePTFE sheet and provides an increase in longitudinal extensibility.

Abstract: A method of producing a biocompatible composite is provided. The method comprises the step of combining a polymer and an active ingredient wherein ultrasound is used in an ultrasonication step during the combination of the polymer and the active ingredient. There is also provided a composite comprising a polymer and an active ingredient. The active ingredient is evenly dispersed in the polymer.

Abstract: A vascular graft comprised of a tubular polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet. The ePTFE sheet has a substantially uniform coating of bioresorbable gel material on an outer surface. The coating minimizes bleeding through suture holes in the ePTFE sheet and an increase in longitudinal extensibility.

Abstract: Vascular grafts, and methods for making the same, are provided. The vascular grafts comprise a graft tissue derived from a biological source that is enclosed within an external synthetic sleeve. The synthetic sleeve has an extended length that is greater than the length of the graft tissue. However, the sleeve is longitudinally compressed such that it has a resting length substantially similar to the length of the graft tissue.

Abstract: Surfaces of polymers, particularly polyesters, can be fluorinated by deposition of a fluorocarbon from solution. The fluorocarbon may be an amorphous fluoropolymer, such as the copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and bis-2,2-trifluoromethyl-4,5-difluoro-1,2-dioxole sold under the trademark TEFLON AF.RTM., which is soluble in fluorinated alkanes and other fluorinated liquids such as those sold under the trademark FLUORINERT.RTM.. Surface-fluorinated polyesters, particularly in knitted fabric form, are useful as vascular grafts: the fluorinated surface reduces thrombogenicity and complement activation. The disadvantages of known surface fluorination methods, such as the cold plasma or glow discharge process, are avoided.

Abstract: A method of producing a vascular graft comprises impregnating a tube of flexible porous material with gelatinous material which contains a gelatin with has been treated to cause it to contain a predetermined number of amino groups less than that normally present in untreated gelatin then treating the impregnated tube to cause the amino groups to form cross links with one another. The gelatin may be treated by reacting it with the anhydride or the chloride of a polycarboxylic acid.