University of Leeds

University of Glasgow

Tissue Regenix Limited

The University Leeds

Aortech Europe Limited

John Fisher

Eileen Ingham

David John Wheatley

Gemma Jones

Hazel Fermor

Jahid Hasan

Stacy-Paul Wilshaw

Thomas Stapleton

Joanne Ingram

Catherine Booth

David Williams

The invention provides natural multi-composite bone implants such as bone-connective tissue-bone and osteochondral implants for the replacement and/or repair of, for example and in particular a damaged or defective bone-meniscus-bone joint or a bone-patella tendon-bone joint or osteochondral lesions, methods of preparing the composites and uses thereof. The invention also provides natural or native composite bone-connective tissue-bone and osteochondral matrices or scaffolds that are substantially decellularized for subsequent transplantation/implantation.

Composite bone implants

A product comprising a natural acellular xenogenic vascular tissue matrix having at least an 80% reduction in DNA content as compared to an untreated control vascular tissue matrix and being antigenically inert by being substantially free of epitopes capable of reacting with pre-formed human antibodies and also without having the ability to substantially activate complement. The invention also includes methods of preparing such products and uses of the products especially in bypass surgery.

Acellular vascular products

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a tissue matrix and its subsequent use in the replacement and/or repair of a damaged or defective meniscus. The invention also provides meniscal tissue that is substantially decellularised.

Preparation of tissue for meniscal implantation

The present invention provides a method of, and apparatus for, utilizing ultrasonic energy so as to mechanically disrupt the collagenous architecture of biological matrices in a controlled manner so that the tissue can be rapidly recellularized in continuous form. The present invention also provides for the production of tissue matrices with improved recellularization properties, cell stratification or patterning.

Ultrasonic modification of soft tissue matrices

A method of preparing matrices or tissue engineered biomaterials for implantation, and in particular to a method of improving decellularisation of matrices or tissue engineered biomaterials prior to implantation. The method employs a single anionic detergent in combination with protease inhibitors.

Decellularisation of matrices

The invention provides a prosthetic valve having a generally annular frame with three post and three scallops. The frame is tri-symmetric with an axis of symmetry defined by the axis of blood flow through the valve. The external surface of the frame is generally cylindrical with diameter D. Each leaflet has a truncated spherical surface adjacent to its free edge. The spherical surface is joined tangentially to a truncated conical surface. The half angle of the truncated cone is approximately 37.5&deg;. The radius of the sphere is approximately D/2&minus;0.5 (mm). The leaflet surface is axi-symmetrical with the axis of symmetry being perpendicular to the axis of the valve frame and blood flow.

Heart valve prosthesis

Artificial heart valve

A heart valve prosthesis comprising an annular support frame for a plurality of flexible tissue valve components. The support frame has a plurality of spaced posts defining openings therebetween to permit a portion of each valve element to flex from an open position to a closed position. An annular sleeve, concentric with said support frame, is adapted to clamp a non-flexing portion of each valve element in operative position between the support frame and said sleeve.

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Leeds, United Kingdom

John Fisher