Application of aldehyde treatments to cardiovascular devices.

Biolized natural and synthetic materials represent a new class of materials. Aldehyde treatment of natural tissue creates cross-links in the collagen molecules while retaining mechanical strength and collagen structure. Synthetic polymers can also be biolized by the addition of protein and aldehyde treatment. Cross-linked materials such as these are resistant to degradation by proteolytic enzymes. The procedure for the aldehyde treatment of natural tissue and protein polymer composites has been established, and in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated an improved blood compatibility. Long-term survival with TAH and LVAD implanted animals has shown the successful application of these materials without the use of anticoagulants. Pseudoneointima growth occurs on these surfaces, and results to date indicate growth stabilization within 2 wks of impalntation. Studies are currently underway to fully characterize the pseudoneointima formed on the biolized surfaces of cardiac prostheses.