A tissue construct is provided that comprises a pancreas derived microvessel fragment and a pancreatic islet cell. The pancreas derived microvessel fragment and the pancreatic islet cell can be incorporated into a biocompatible medium. Tissue constructs can be comprised of other cells, such as stem cells, combined with the pancreas derived microvascular fragment. Methods for isolating microvessel fragments from a pancreas are also provided and include enzymatic digestion of pancreatic tissue and separation of microvessel fragments from endocrine and exocrine tissue. Methods for treating diabetes are further provided and include administration of the tissue constructs.

Methods for generating aortic heart valve leaflets are disclosed wherein the aortic sinus surfaces (the inner surfaces of the sinuses of Valsalva) are used as a template to generate geometric representations of replacement aortic heart valve leaflets. As such, sinus-matched replacement leaflets can be sized and shaped according to the patient-specific geometry of the aortic root. Patient-specific aortic valve assemblies based on aortic root and sinus geometry are also described. Methods for estimating the coaptation area of a sinus-matched valve and assessing whether the valve is functionally competent for implantation are described.

Tissue processing techniques are described involving association of tissue with a form under pressure to more precisely adapt the crosslinked tissue to the form. Pressure can be applied through holding of the issue on a porous form with suction on the form maintain tight adherence of the tissue on the form. In some embodiments, the tissue on the form is placed with the crosslinking solution in a bag that is then vacuum sealed to have the evacuated bag hold the tissue on the form. Whether or not the tissue is crosslinked on a form, glutaraldehyde can be used for crosslinking in a substantially unpolymerized state to achieve distinct crosslinked tissue properties.

The present disclosure provides methods for producing bioengineered tissue along with an apparatus and other relevant compositions employed in generation thereof.

A heart valve prosthesis includes a heart valve encircled by a base body in a peripheral direction to hold the heart valve. The heart valve is fastened to the base body and arranged in its interior. An inner skirt is arranged in the interior and is fastened to an inner surface of the base body. An outer skirt is arranged on the outer surface of the base body. The inner and outer skirts form a receptacle to accept and collect blood during diastole.

An implantable medical product and method of use for substantially reducing or eliminating harsh biological responses associated with conventionally implanted medical devices, including inflammation, infection and thrombogenesis, when implanted in in a body of a warm blooded mammal. The bioremodelable pouch structure is configured and sized to receive, encase and retain an electrical medical device therein and to allow such device to be inserted into the internal region or cavity of the pouch structure; with the pouch structure formed from either: (a) first and second sheets, or (b) a single sheet having first and second sheet portions. After receiving the electrical device, the edges around the opening are closed by suturing or stapling. The medical device encased by the bioremodelable pouch structure effectively improves biological functions by promoting tissue regeneration, modulated healing of adjacent tissue or growth of new tissue when implanted in the body of the mammal.

The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation enhancement element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation enhancement element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation enhancement element, catheter and driver; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

The invention relates to a method for predicting or diagnosing a risk of bioprosthetic valve degeneration. Further, the invention relates to a medical device, in particular a bioprosthetic valve coated with EPCR less prone to degeneration and/or calcification once implanted.

Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating select portions of a tissue matrix with a fluid containing at least one agent to produce a tissue matrix with variable mechanical and/or biological properties

This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.