This technology features a biomaterial useful for bioprostheses, such as bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs), in which the fixed tissue has improved elastic properties. The high elastin-containing biomaterial is further characterized by having anisotropic properties wherein the biological material has a greater stiffness in one direction and a greater elasticity in a cross direction. This technology can be used to improve current BHV devices which have a short lifespan due to mechanical deterioration and biological degeneration, due to the lack of elasticity of the tissues. This technology offers a new biomaterial with improved mechanical and biological properties. This anisotropic material is endowed with considerable strength making it suitable for use in manufacturing of BHVs and for other uses in replacement and reconstructive cardiovascular surgery. Its flat shape also allows for the possibility of fashioning the material into any desirable shape, size and orientation of the elastic component, therefore, setting the basis for manufacturing of novel BHV designs. Moreover, this technology presents an improved chemical fixation procedure, which reduces the propensity of the new biomaterial towards biological degeneration.
Applications:
· Manufacturing of bioprosthetic heart valves
· Other uses in replacement and reconstructive cardiovascular surgery
Benefits:
· Considerable strength
· Allows for fashioning the material into any desirable shape, size and orientation
· Improved chemical fixation procedure, which reduces the propensity of the new biomaterial towards biological degeneration
Inventors: Naren Vyavahare, Dan Simionescu
Protection Status: Patent issued; # 7,189,259
Licensing Status: Available for licensing
Additional Terms: Bioprosthetic Heart Valve (BHV), Bioprosthesis
CURF Ref No: 03-005
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