U.S. patent number RE40,570 [Application Number 10/406,354] was granted by the patent office on 2008-11-11 for apparatuses and methods for treating biological tissue to mitigate calcification.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. Invention is credited to Alain F. Carpentier, Sophie Carpentier, Victor S. Packham, Lillian J. Quintero, Stefan G. Schreck, Jong H. Wang.
United States Patent |
RE40,570 |
Carpentier , et al. |
November 11, 2008 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Apparatuses and methods for treating biological tissue to mitigate
calcification
Abstract
An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit
calcification of the biological tissue following implantation
thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for
placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution,
structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and
structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be
induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in
the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the
container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment
solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to
move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross
movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a
reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment
solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus,
including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in
an incubator. The tissue may be mounted in a planar configuration
generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow. A flow column
having a plurality of sections divided by perforated baffles may be
used to treat multiple tissues at once.
Inventors: |
Carpentier; Sophie (Paris,
FR), Carpentier; Alain F. (Paris, FR),
Quintero; Lillian J. (Chester, NY), Packham; Victor S.
(Costa Mesa, CA), Wang; Jong H. (Rancho Palos Verdes,
CA), Schreck; Stefan G. (Vista, CA) |
Assignee: |
Edwards Lifesciences
Corporation (Irvine, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
26961393 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/406,354 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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08874180 |
Jun 13, 1997 |
5931969 |
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08812506 |
Mar 7, 1997 |
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08282358 |
Jul 29, 1994 |
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Reissue of: |
09283596 |
Apr 10, 1999 |
06210957 |
Apr 3, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/284.1;
435/289.1; 435/297.1; 435/297.2; 435/297.5; 435/303.1; 435/307.1;
600/36; 623/2.13; 623/23.72; 623/915; 8/94.1R; 8/94.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L
27/3687 (20130101); A61L 27/3691 (20130101); A61L
2400/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
2/04 (20060101); A01N 1/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;8/94.1R,94.11 ;600/36
;623/2.13,23.72,915
;435/284.1,289.1,297.1,297.2,297.5,303.1,307.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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WO 95/34332 |
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Dec 1993 |
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WO |
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WO 95/11047 |
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Apr 1995 |
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WO |
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WO 95/22361 |
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Aug 1995 |
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WO |
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WO 96/04028 |
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Feb 1996 |
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WO |
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WO 96/13227 |
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May 1996 |
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WO |
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Other References
Sealed Information Submission Under MPEP .sctn. 724. cited by other
.
Allied Fischer Scientific Product Catologue, pp. 914, 1986, No
month given. cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Mruk; Brian P
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Yadav; Rajiv Cumberbatch; Guy
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 08/874,180, filed Jun. 13, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,969,
entitled "Methods and Apparatuses for Treating Biological Tissue to
Mitigate Calcification," which is a .Iadd.continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 08/812,506, filed Mar. 7, 1997, now
abandoned, which is a .Iaddend.continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 08/282,358, filed Jul. 29, 1994, now abandoned.
.Iadd.Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for
the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,957. The reissue applications
are application Ser. Nos. 10/406,354 (the present application), and
10/834,399, all of which are divisional reissues of U.S. Pat. No.
6,210,957. .Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for treating at least partially fixed biological
tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: a flow container; a
reservoir containing treatment fluid suitable for fixing the
tissue; a fluid input to the container; a fluid output from the
container; a tissue mount for positioning the at least partially
fixed biological tissue within the container between the input and
.[.ouput.]. .Iadd.output .Iaddend.and restrain its gross movement
therein; and means for heating the fluid to a temperature greater
than body temperature (>37.degree. C.) comprising a heater for
heating fluid in the reservoir.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow container is divided
into at least two sections in series separated by perforated
baffles, with at least one tissue mount in each section.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flow container is an
elongated tube and the baffles are circular.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tissue mount is configured
to mount the tissue in a planar configuration substantially
parallel to the direction of flow of the solution flowing through
the container.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least one baffle
positioned in the flow container and upstream of the tissue mount,
the baffle being configured to create a substantially uniform
downstream flow profile over a cross-section of the flow
container.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the baffles are perforated
plates oriented substantially normal to the direction of flow of
the solution flowing through the container, and the flow container
is divided into at least two sections in series, each two adjacent
sections being separated by a baffle, with at least one tissue
mount in each section removably secured to one of the baffles.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a sensor for
monitoring the fluid temperature in the reservoir, and a feedback
control loop responsive to the sensed temperature for adjusting the
heater temperature.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow container comprises
an upstanding tube, the fluid input being located at the lower end
of the tube and the fluid output being located at the upper end of
the tube, the apparatus further comprising a velocity reducer above
the fluid input, and a flow straightener above the velocity reducer
and below the first tissue mount.
9. An apparatus for treating at least partially fixed biological
tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: a piece of at least
partially fixed biological tissue; a container suitable for
containing tissue treatment fluid and immersing the piece of at
least partially fixed biological tissue in the fluid; a shaker for
causing treatment fluid movement within the container; means for
heating the treatment fluid and tissue within the container; and
means for restraining the immersed tissue from gross movement
within the container.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the piece of at least
partially fixed biological tissue is a bioprosthetic heart valve
leaflet.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the shaker is an orbital
shaker.
12. An apparatus for treating at least partially .[.faced.].
.Iadd.fixed .Iaddend.biological tissue to inhibit calcification of
the tissue following implantation in a mammalian body, comprising:
a piece of at least partially fixed biological tissue, a container
suitable for containing tissue treatment fluid and immersing the
piece of at least partially fixed biological tissue in the fluid,
means for causing treatment fluid movement within the container
comprising a stirrer immersed in the treatment fluid, means for
heating the treatment fluid; and means for restraining the immersed
tissue from gross movement within the container.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the stirrer is a stirring
rod.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further including a shaft drive for
the stirring rod.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, further including a magnetic drive
for the stirring rod.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the means for restraining
tissue from gross movement within the container comprises a porous
substrate separating the tissue from the stirrer.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the container has an open
mouth and the porous substrate is draped over the open mouth and
separates the container into an upper portion for receiving the
tissue and a lower portion for receiving the stirrer.
18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the means for heating
comprises a heater adjacent to the container that applies heat to
the outside of the container and indirectly heats the treatment
fluid therein.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the heater comprises a
resistive heater.
20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the means for heating
comprises a heater that applies heat directly to the treatment
fluid.
21. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heater is external to
the container.
22. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heater comprises a
convective flow heater.
23. An apparatus for treating an at least partially fixed sheet of
biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: treatment fluid
suitable for fixing the tissue; a container suitable for containing
the tissue treatment fluid having a fluid input and a fluid output;
a system for continuously flowing the treatment fluid through the
flow container between the input and output; a tissue mount for
positioning the at least partially fixed sheet of biological tissue
within the container between the input and output and restrain its
gross movement therein, the tissue mount being adapted to mount the
tissue sheet in a planar configuration substantially parallel to
the direction of flow of the treatment fluid, the sheet of
biological tissue being immersed in the continuous flow of
treatment fluid; and means for heating the treatment fluid.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the flow container has a
cross-section oriented substantially normal to the direction of
flow of the treatment fluid, the apparatus further including a
baffle positioned upstream of the mount which creates a
substantially uniform downstream flow profile over the container
cross-section in the region of the mount.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of
perforated baffles dividing the flow container into a series of
sections, and a plurality of said mounts in each section for
mounting multiple tissue pieces within each section.
26. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a reservoir
external to the container, the flow container having an inlet and
an outlet, and a pump for circulating treatment fluid from the
reservoir to the flow container and expelling fluid from the flow
container outlet back to the reservoir.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the means for heating heats
the treatment solution in the reservoir.
28. An apparatus for treating at least partially fixed biological
tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: a flow container
divided into at least two sections in series separated by
perforated baffles; a supply of treatment fluid; a fluid input to
the container; a fluid output from the container; at least one
tissue mount in each section for positioning the at least partially
fixed biological tissue within the container between the input and
output and restrain its gross movement therein; and means for
heating the fluid.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the flow container is an
elongated tube and the baffles are circular.
30. An apparatus for treating at least partially fixed biological
tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: a flow container; a
supply of treatment fluid; a fluid input to the container; a fluid
output from the container; a tissue mount for positioning the at
least partially fixed biological tissue within the container
between the input and output and restrain its gross movement
therein; means for heating the fluid; and at least one baffle
positioned in the flow container and upstream of the tissue mount,
the baffle being configured to create a substantially uniform
downstream flow profile over a cross-section of the flow
container.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the baffle is a perforated
plate oriented substantially normal to the direction of flow of the
solution flowing through the container, and the flow container is
divided into at least two sections in series, each two adjacent
sections being separated by a baffle, with at least one tissue
mount in each section removably secured to one of the baffles.
32. An apparatus for treating at least partially fixed biological
tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: a flow container
comprising an upstanding tube; a supply of treatment fluid; a fluid
input to the container at a lower end of the tube; a fluid output
from the container at an upper end of the tube; a tissue mount for
positioning the at least partially fixed biological tissue within
the container between the input and output and restrain its gross
movement therein; means for heating the fluid; and a velocity
reducer above the inlet aperture, and a flow straightener above the
velocity reducer and below the first tissue mount.
33. An apparatus for treating at least partially fixed biological
tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: a container suitable
for containing tissue treatment fluid; means for causing treatment
fluid movement within the container including a stirrer immersed in
the treatment fluid; means for heating the treatment fluid; and
means for restraining the immersed tissue from gross movement
within the container.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the means for restraining
tissue from gross movement within the container comprises a porous
substrate separating the tissue from the stirrer.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the container has an open
mouth and the porous substrate is draped over the open mouth and
separates the container into an upper portion for receiving the
tissue and a lower portion for receiving the stirrer.
36. An apparatus for treating at least partially fixed biological
tissue to inhibit calcification of the tissue following
implantation in a mammalian body, comprising: a flow container
suitable for containing tissue treatment fluid; a system for
flowing treatment fluid through the flow container, wherein the
flow container has a cross-section oriented substantially normal to
the direction of flow of the treatment fluid; means for restraining
the tissue from gross movement within the flow container comprising
a mount for mounting the tissue in a planar configuration
substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the treatment
fluid; a baffle positioned upstream of the mount which creates a
substantially uniform downstream flow profile over the container
cross-section in the region of the mount; and means for heating
fluid.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a plurality of
perforated baffles dividing the flow container into a series of
sections, and a plurality of said mounts in each section for
mounting multiple tissue pieces within each section.
.Iadd.38. A method for treating biological tissue to inhibit
calcification of the tissue following implantation in a mammalian
body, the method comprising: fixing the tissue in a fixative
solution; and prior to implantation, heat treating the fixed tissue
in a glutaraldehyde solution at a temperature in the range of
45-55.degree. C. for a period of time. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The method of claim 38, wherein heat treating is done at
a temperature in the range of 50.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The method of claim 38, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about a few days to 22 weeks. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The method of claim 38, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 4 to 22 weeks. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The method of claim 38, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 14 days to 2 months. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The method of claim 38, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 30 days to 60 days. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The method of claim 38, further including immersing the
tissue in a solution comprising an alcohol, formaldehyde and Tween
80. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The method of claim 44, including immersing the tissue in
the solution comprising an alcohol, formaldehyde and Tween 80 for
about 2 hours at room temperature so as to sterilize the tissue.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The method of claim 38, further including inducing
relative and repeated tissue/solution movement during the step of
heat treating. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The method of claim 46, further including enclosing the
treatment solution in a container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The method of claim 46, wherein the step of inducing
comprises shaking the container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The method of claim 46, wherein the step of inducing
comprises rolling the container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. A method for treating biological tissue to inhibit
calcification of the tissue following implantation in a mammalian
body, the method comprising: fixing the tissue in a glutaraldehyde
solution while heating the glutaraldehyde solution to a temperature
in the range of about 50.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. for a period of
time. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The method of claim 50, wherein the tissue is heat
treated in a glutaraldehyde solution. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The method of claim 50, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about a few days to 22 weeks. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. The method of claim 50, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 4 to 22 weeks. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The method of claim 50, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 14 days to 22 months. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. The method of claim 50, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 30 days to 60 days. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The method of claim 50, further including immersing the
tissue in a solution comprising an alcohol, formaldehyde and Tween
80. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The method of claim 56, including immersing the tissue in
the solution comprising an alcohol, formaldehyde and Tween 80 for
about 2 hours at room temperature so as to sterilize the tissue.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. The method of claim 50, further including inducing
relative and repeated tissue/solution movement during the step of
heat treating. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.59. The method of claim 58, further including enclosing the
treatment solution in a container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. The method of claim 58, wherein the step of inducing
comprises shaking the container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.61. The method of claim 58, wherein the step of inducing
comprises rolling the container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.62. A method for treating biological tissue to inhibit
calcification of the tissue following implantation in a mammalian
body, the method comprising: prior to fixing the tissue, heat
treating the tissue in a saline solution only to a temperature of
about 50.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. for a period of time.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.63. The method of claim 62, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about a few days to 22 weeks. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.64. The method of claim 62, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 4 to 22 weeks. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.65. The method of claim 62, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 14 days to 2 months. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.66. The method of claim 62, wherein the period of time is in
the range of about 30 days to 60 days. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.67. The method of claim 62, further including immersing the
tissue in a solution comprising an alcohol, formaldehyde and Tween
80. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.68. The method of claim 67, including immersing the tissue in
the solution comprising an alcohol, formaldehyde and Tween 80 for
about 2 hours at room temperature so as to sterilize the tissue.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.69. The method of claim 62, further including inducing
relative and repeated tissue/solution movement during the step of
heat treating. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.70. The method of claim 69, further including enclosing the
treatment shown in a container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.71. The method of claim 69, wherein the step of inducing
comprises shaking the container. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.72. The method of claim 69, wherein the step of inducing
comprises rolling the container. .Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to apparatuses for
preparing biomedical materials, and more particularly to an
apparatus for preparing preserved biological tissue, such as bovine
pericardium, for implantation in a mammalian body that induces
relative treatment fluid/tissue motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art has included numerous methods for preserving or
fixing biological tissues, to enable such tissues to be
subsequently implanted into mammalian bodies. Examples of the types
of biological tissues that have heretofore been utilized for
surgical implantation include cardiac valves, vascular tissue,
skin, dura mater, pericardium, ligaments and tendons.
The term "grafting" as used herein is defined as the implanting or
transplanting of any living tissue or organ (See Dorlands
Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 27th Edition, W.B. Saunders Co.
1988). Biological tissues which are grafted into the body of a
mammal may be xenogeneic (i.e., a xenograft) or allogeneic (i.e.,
an allograft). The term "bioprosthesis" defines many types of
biological tissues chemically pretreated before implantation
(Carpentier--See Ionescu (editor), Biological Tissue in Heart Valve
Replacement, Butterworths, 1972). As opposed to a graft, the face
of a bioprosthesis is based upon the stability of the chemically
treated biological material and not upon cell viability or host
cell ingrowth. Chemical pretreatment includes the "fixing" or
tamning of the biological tissue. Such fixing or tanning of the
tissue is accomplished by exposing the tissue to one or more
chemical compounds capable of cross-linking collagen molecules
within the tissue.
Various chemical compounds have been utilized to fix or cross-link
biological tissues including formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde,
dialdehyde starch, hexamethylene diisocyanate and certain polyepoxy
compounds.
In particular, glutaraldehyde has proven to be relatively
physiologically inert and suitable for fixing various biological
tissues for subsequent surgical implantation (Carpentier, A., J.
Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 58:467-68 (1969)). In particular,
examples of the types of biological tissues which have heretofore
been subjected to glutaraldehyde fixation include porcine
bioprosthetic heart valves and bovine pericardial tissues.
Clinical experience has revealed that glutaraldehyde-fixed
bioprosthetic tissues may tend to become calcified. Such
calcification of glutaraldehyde-fixed bioprosthetic tissues has
been reported to occur most predominantly in pediatric patients
see, Carpentier et al. and "Continuing Improvements in Valvular
Bioprostheses, J. Thorac Cardiovasc. Surg. 83:27-42, 1982. Such
calcification is undesirable in that it may result in deterioration
of the mechanical properties of the tissue and/or tissue failure.
In view of this, surgeons have opted to implant mechanical
cardiovascular valves into pediatric patients, rather than to
utilize glutaraldehyde-preserved porcine valves. However, pediatric
patients who receive mechanical valve implants require long term
treatment with anticoagulant medications and such anticoagulation
is associated with increased risk of hemorrhage.
The mechanism by which calcification occurs in glutaraldehyde-fixed
bioprosthetic tissue has not been fully elucidated. However,
factors which have been thought to influence the rate of
calcification include: a) patient's age b) existing metabolic
disorders (i.e., hypercalcemia, diabetes, kidney failure . . . ) c)
dietary factors d) race e) infection f) parenteral calcium
administration g) dehydration h) distortion/mechanical factors i)
inadequate coagulation therapy during initial period following
surgical implantation; and j) host tissue chemistry
Methods for treating fixed biological tissue so as to inhibit
calcification thereof following implantation in a mammalian body
tend to substantially increase the usable life of such tissue
subsequent to implantation in a mammalian body, thereby mitigating
the requirements for subsequent tissue replacement. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, such tissue replacement
frequently causes substantial trauma to the patient, occasionally
resulting in the patient's death. As such, it greatly beneficial to
be able to either avoid or postpone the need for the replacement of
implanted biological tissue.
Various efforts have been undertaken to find ways to mitigating
calcification of glutaraldehyde fixed bioprosthetic tissue.
Included among these calcification mitigation techniques are the
methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,005 (Nashef et al.)
SURFACTANT TREATMENT OF IMPLANTABLE BIOLOGICAL TISSUE TO INHIBIT
CALCIFICATION; U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,881 (Carpentier et al.)
IMPLANTABLE BIOLOGICAL TISSUE AND PROCESS FOR PREPARATION THEREOF;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,733 (Girardot) PREVENTION OF PROSTHESIS
CALCIFICATION; U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,649 (Schechter) TRANSPLANTS;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,2566 (Carpentier) CALCIFICATION MITIGATION OF
BIOPROSTHETIC IMPLANTS; EP 103947A2 (Pollock et al.) METHOD FOR
INHIBITING MINERALIZATION OF NATURAL TISSUE DURING IMPLANTATION;
WO84/01879 (Nashef et al.) SURFACTANT TREATMENT OF IMPLANTABLE
BIOLOGICAL TISSUE TO INHIBIT CALCIFICATION; U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,571
(Jaffe) BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL PRE-FIXATION TREATMENT; and WO 95/11047
(Levy et. al.) METHOD OF MAKING CALCIFICATION-RESISTANT
BIOPROSTHETIC TISSUE.
Although some researchers believe that glutaraldehyde actually
increases the risk of calcification, it is still the most accepted
fixation solution. For example, the Levy patent application noted
above utilizes an alcohol treatment for mitigating calcification,
in addition to a glutaraldehyde fixation
There is significant research occurring into the extent the
mechanisms mentioned above cause calcification. Many processes are
believed to mitigate calcification, without their proponents
knowing exactly why. Indeed, the Levy patent does not offer a
mechanism why alcohol is effective in calcification mitigation,
other than it is preferred over aldehydes.
A number of tests are conventionally used to gauge the efficiacy of
various calcification mitigation treatments. The most reliable test
is actual implantation into a living organisms, preferably a human.
Of course, such host studies are by their nature long-term and the
results somewhat skewed by the variations present in each
individual host. Researchers are therefore constrained to predict
the ultimate calcification mitigation benefits of a particular
treatment by using laboratory tests on treated tissue, such as
calcium uptake studies. Ultimately, there is a substantial amount
of extrapolation from the empirical data of such laboratory tests,
and to date there is no one predominant mechanism recognized for
multigrating calcification.
There remains a need for the development of new methods for
inhibiting or mitigrating calcification of chemically fixed
biological tissue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be
more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is
understood that changes in the specific structure shown and the
described may be made within the scope of the claims without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
The present invention provides a method for treating at least
partially fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the
tissue following implantation in mammalian body, comprising
immersing the tissue in a treatment solution, inducing relative and
repeated tissue/solution movement, and beating the solution during
the step of inducing. The step of inducing may comprise flowing
treatment fluid across the tissue and restraining the immersed
tissue from gross movement, or enclosing the treatment solution in
a container and either shaking the container or stirring the
solution within the container, with the immersed tissue floating
free or being restrained from gross movement within the container.
The step of heating may be applying beat to the outside of the
container to indirectly heat the solution therein, or placing the
treatment container in an enclosure and heating the enclosure.
Alternatively, the step of heating may comprise applying heat
directly to the treatment solution.
The present invention also includes a method for treating at least
partially fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the
tissue following implantation in a mammalian body, comprising
positioning the tissue in a flow container; restraining the tissue
from gross movement within the container, flowing treatment
solution through the flow container into contact with the tissue,
and heating the solution during the step of flowing. The step of
restraining may comprise mounting the tissue in a planar
configuration substantially parallel to the direction of flow of
the flowing solution. The tissue may be positioned within a flow
container having a cross-section oriented substantially normal to
the direction of flow of the flowing solution, the tissue being
positioned downstream of a baffle to create a substantially uniform
downstream flow profile over the cross-section. In one embodiment,
treatment solution is supplied to an inlet of the flow container
from a reservoir, and fluid is expelled from an outlet of the flow
container to the reservoir. The treatment solution may be heated in
the reservoir. Preferably, the treatment fluid flows upward through
the flow container from the inlet to the outlet and into contact
with the tissue.
In accordance with the invention, an apparatus for treating at
least partially fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of
the tissue following implantation in a mammalian body is provided.
The apparatus comprises a flow container, a supply of treatment
fluid, a fluid input to the container, a fluid output from the
container, a tissue mount for positioning the at least partially
fixed biological tissue within the container between the input and
output and restrain its gross movement therein, and means for
heating the fluid. The flow container is preferably divided into at
least two sections in series separated by perforated baffles, with
at least one tissue mount in each section. The flow container may
be an elongated tube and the baffles circular. The tissue mount may
be configured to mount the tissue in a planar configuration
substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the solution
flowing through the container. The apparatus may additionally
include at least one baffle positioned in the flow container and
upstream of the tissue mount, the baffle being configured to create
a substantially uniform downstream flow profile over a
cross-section of the flow container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the prior art process for
preparing biological tissue for implantation within a mammalian
body comprising fixing of the biological tissue with a
glutaraldehyde solution;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the preparation of biological tissue for
implantation in a mammalian body comprising a method for inhibiting
calcification of the biological tissue according to the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary tissue treatment
apparatus including a closed treatment container and container
movement device;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another exemplary tissue treatment
apparatus including an open treatment container and fluid stirring
rod;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the preparation of biological tissue
using the system of FIG. 3 or 4 including the application of heat
and motion to a treatment solution;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an exemplary tissue treatment
apparatus including a treatment container positioned in a flow
stream;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the preparation of biological tissue using
the system of FIG. 5 including the application of heat and flow of
treatment solution past the tissue;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another preferred tissue treatment
apparatus including an upstanding flow column and a plurality of
vertical sections within which tissues to be treated are
mounted;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of one vertical segment of
the flow column of FIG. 8 illustrating a piece of tissue suspended
from a baffle in a flow stream;
FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross section taken along line 10--10 of
FIG. 9 through one vertical section of the flow column;
FIG. 11 is a vertical cross section taken along line 11--11 of FIG.
10 and through a baffle and tissue suspension mount;
FIG. 12 is a bar graph comparing the measured calcium uptake in
bovine pericardium tissues treated in a conventional manner, solely
with heat, and with heat and motion; and
FIG. 13 is a bar graph comparing the measured calcium uptake in
bovine pericardium tissues treated in a conventional manner and
with heat and motion from various sources.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the
appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently
preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to
represent the only form in which the present invention may be
constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions
and sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention
in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be
understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and
sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are
also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
One method for treating glutaraldehyde fixed biological tissue to
inhibit calcification thereof following implantation in a mammalian
body is illustrated in FIG. 2 which depicts a flow chart of the
presently preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 depicts a
flow chart of the prior art method for preparing biological tissue
for implantation within a mammalian body.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the prior art process for preparing
biological tissue for implantation within a mammalian body
comprises first harvesting the tissue from an animal or human
cadaver 10. As those skilled in the art will recognize, various
different types of tissue are routinely harvested from different
animals and/or human cadavers. For example, heart valves are
routinely harvested from pigs, pericardium is routinely harvested
from cows or pigs, and skin is routinely harvested from human
cadavers. Those skilled in the art will further recognize the new
tissues are, from time to time, being found to be implantable
within a mammalian body.
After harvesting, the biological tissue is carried in saline
solution, typically for a period of 1-6 hours 12.
The tissue is next fixed using a buffered glutaraldehyde solution
of adequate concentration, for example between 0.2% and 0.8%, at
room temperature for at least 3 hours 14. As is well known,
glutaraldehyde effects cross-linking of the proteins, e.g.,
collagen, within the tissue. Such cross-linking tends to make the
tissue more durable and effects preservation thereof. It is known
that cross-linked protein exhibits increased resistance to
proteolytic cleavage and further that one of the major processes by
which circulating blood may destroy tissue is via enzymatic
activity which involves unfolding of the protein substrate in order
to facilitate enzymatic hydrolysis. Cross-linking of the protein of
a tissue makes the tissue resistant to such unfolding, and
consequently tends to prevent deterioration thereof due to the
enzymatic activity of blood.
The tissue is next sterilized, preferably with an
alcohol/formaldehyde solution for 2 hours at room temperature 16.
The preferred solution for effecting sterilization of the tissue
comprises approximately 12 ml/l of Tween 80; approximately 2.65
gms/l of MgCl2.H2O; approximately 108 ml/l of formaldehyde (37%);
approximately 220 ml/l of ethyl alcohol (100%) and approximately
4.863 gms/l of HEPES buffer. The balance of the solution comprises
double filtered H2O. The pH of the solution is typically adjusted
to 7.4 via the addition of NaOH. Those skilled in the art will
recognize various other sterilization solutions are likewise
suitable.
Antimineralization treatment 18 is optionally performed so as to
inhibit the accumulation of mineral deposits upon the biological
tissue after implantation of a mammalian body. As those skilled in
the art will recognize, various different antimineralization
treatments are utilized so as to prevent the deposition of various
different minerals upon the biological tissue.
The tissue is trimmed and any non-biological components are then
added thereto 20. For example, it is common to sew a heart valve to
a valve holder which aids in the handling thereof and which may
additionally function as a mount for the valve when implanted into
a mammalian body.
Next, the biological tissue is once again sterilized 22, preferably
in an alcohol/formaldehyde solution as discussed above. Since
preparation of the biological tissue is substantially complete and
the biological tissue will next likely be stored for an extended
period of time, a more rigorous sterilization procedure from that
previously utilized is typically employed. At this stage, the
biological tissue is typically sterilized for approximately 9 hours
at 34-38.degree. C.
After sterilization, the biological tissue is stored in
glutaraldehyde at room temperature 24.
Tissue Treatment Using Heat
Referring now to FIG. 2, a method for treating glutaraldehyde fixed
biological tissue to inhibit calcification thereof following
implantation in a mammalian body comprises the additional step of
heating preferably when the glutaraldehyde is in contact with the
biological tissue, to approximately 35-75.degree. C. for
approximately 4-22 weeks, and more preferably for a period of a few
days to 22 weeks.
The treatment fluid should be heated to a temperature greater than
body temperature (37.degree. C.) but not high enough to damage
either the tissue or the treatment fluid. Thus, the preferred heat
range is between 35-75.degree. C. However, the temperature affects
the amount of calcification mitigation, and the process time, and
is preferably between 45.degree. C. and 55.degree. c., and more
preferably between 50.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C.
Heating of the biological tissue may be performed at any time after
harvesting the tissue from the animal or human cadaver and prior to
implanting the tissue within a mammalian body. However, heating of
the biological tissue is preferably performed at a point in the
process for preparing the biological tissue when the biological
tissue is already disposed within a bath of glutaraldehyde
solution, as occurs at various stages of the process according to
the prior art. Thus, the method for treating glutaraldehyde fixed
biological tissues according to the present invention is preferably
performed either during fixing thereof with a glutaraldehyde
solution, immediately after fixing thereof with the glutaraldehyde
solution, or alternatively just prior to or after being stored in a
glutaraldehyde solution.
As a further alternative, a method for treating glutaraldehyde
fixed biological tissues may be performed during antimineralization
treatment by adding glutaraldehyde to the antimineralization
solution and heating the solution, preferably to approximately
35-75.degree. C. for approximately 4-22 weeks. More preferably, the
tissue is heat treated at 50.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. for a
period of a few days to 22 weeks.
For example, after fixing tissue using a buffered glutaraldehyde
solution of adequate concentration, for example between 0.2% and
0.8%, at room temperature for at least 3 hours 14, the biological
tissue may be heat treated in either the same or different
glutaraldehyde solution, preferably at approximately 35-75.degree.
C. for a few days to 22 weeks 15.
As one of the alternative discussed above, the biological tissue is
fixed and heat-treated simultaneously 13 in the 0.2-0.8%
glutaraldehyde solution, again preferably at approximately
35-75.degree. C. for approximately a few days to 22 weeks. Another
alternative is to heat the tissue in saline 17 prior to fixation
21.
As the other alternative discussed above, the biological tissue may
simultaneously undergo antimineralization treatment and heat
treatment 19. Glutaraldehyde is added to the antimineralization
solution so as to effect the inhibition of calcification of the
tissue following implantation in a mammalian body.
Tissue Treatment Using Relative Tissue/Fluid Movement
FIG. 3 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a tissue treatment
system 20 of the present invention. One or more pieces of tissue 22
of leaflets are immersed in a treatment solution 24 within a closed
container 25. The container 25 rests on a shaker table 26 which
reciprocates relative to a base 27 in one or more directions. One
particularly preferred type of shaking device is an orbital shaker.
In one exemplary embodiment, the orbital shaker 26 is actuated at a
rotational speed of approximately 55 RPM. The container 25 and
contents therein may be subjected to heating, such as with radiant
heaters 28 as illustrated. Of course, any number of means for
heating the container 25 are known, such as resistance heaters,
convective flow, and the like.
The solution 24 is preferably a buffered glutaraldehyde, but may be
any chemical solution, such as Denacol.RTM. or others, which
performs substantially the same in this context. The shaking and/or
heat may be applied during fixation or after. The tissue is
preferably at least partially fixed prior to being subjected to the
calcification mitigation treatment described herein, and more
preferably the tissue is fully fixed prior to the treatment. The
treatment thus can be designed to complete the fixation process. In
a preferred embodiment, tissue that has been fixed for a period of
between thirty minutes to fourteen days is placed in the container
25 with a buffered clutaraldehyde solution of adequate
concentration, for example between 0.2% and 0.8%. The solution is
then shaken for thirty minutes after which the container 25 remains
static for fourteen days.
The tissue 22 may be sheets of bovine pericardium tissue, precut
leaflets, or fully formed porcine heart valves. One potential
disadvantage of using precut leaflets or porcine heart valves is
the tissue's nonuniform capacity for shrinkage during calcification
mitigation treatment. It can be difficult, though not impossible,
to consistently and accurately compensate for this phenomenon. A
detailed map of the fiber orientation, thickness and other
properties of each individual leaflet may be required to predict
the final form of the leaflet after treatment. Therefore, the
preferred procedure is to place sheets or pieces of tissue in the
container and subject it to the shaking and/or heat. Afterwards,
the leaflets are cut from the treated tissue.
It will be noted that the tissue 22 within the solution 24 may be
allowed to move about freely. In another embodiment, and as will be
described below with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the
tissue may be restrained from gross movement but allowed to freely
shrink, such as with a device schematically shown at 29.
In another variation on the shaking, a treatment system 30 is shown
in FIG. 4 wherein a stirring rod 32 is positioned in a container 34
to replace the shaking table 28. The stirring rod is preferably
actuated magnetically through the container, but may also comprise
a shaft driven apparatus. The stirring rod 32 is preferably
designed so as not to batter the tissue 36 but instead just to
cause gentle movement of the fluid 37 relative to tissue.
Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, a piece of filter paper
38, or other such similar porous substrate or mesh, is draped over
the top rim of the container and the tissue pieces 36 placed
therein. In this way, the stirring rod 32 imparts rotational or
other momentum to the fluid 37 in the container 34, but the tissue
36 remains above the damaging action of the rotating rod. Also
shown in FIG. 4 is a heated enclosure or incubator 39 within which
is placed the entire apparatus 30.
In another version of shaking, multiple flasks or containers
holding the treatment fluid and tissue samples are clamped to a
rotating ferris-wheel apparatus. The apparatus includes a wheel
rotating about a tilted axis so that the flasks follow a tilted
circular trajectory. In this manner, the fluid within the flasks
gently washes over the tissue pieces as the wheel rotates.
The containers 25 and 34 in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be open or closed,
primarily depending on the nature of the treatment fluid.
Glutaraldehyde is a toxic substance which evaporates to create a
dangerous gas. Thus, treatment with glutaraldehyde is preferably
done in a closed container. On the other hand, some substances like
Denacol.RTM. may be less hazardous and the container may be left
open under a hood, for example.
Relative movement between the tissue and the treatment fluid is
believed to enhance calcification mitigation. A mechanism for this
result has not been fully formulated, although mass transport of
the fluid surrounding the tissue may be relevant. Indeed, one
theory is that certain cell material, for example, proteins, is
extracted or removed from the tissue by the treatment fluid, which
removal is enhanced relative to static treatment methods by the
movement of the fluid. In other words, the relative movement of the
tissue within the fluid repeatedly replenishes the fluid
surrounding any one portion of tissue. Test results shown in FIGS.
12 and 13 for samples of tissue treated in a variety of ways in
accordance with the present invention indicate that the combination
of heat and relative tissue/fluid movement decreases the amount of
calcium uptake after implantation in rats, suggesting that such
treatment will mitigate calcification in long or short term
implantation in humans.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a preferred method for treating
tissue using the system shown in FIGS. 3 or 4. Many of the specific
pre- and post-treatment steps described with respect to FIGS. 1 and
2 have been left out for clarity, but remain applicable. Initially,
the tissue is harvested, rinsed, fixed and cut into pieces,
preferably squares or rectangles, from which leaflets may be
formed. The pieces of tissue are then immersed in the treatment
fluid within the container, and the fluid heated to a predetermined
temperature. Relative movement between the tissue pieces and
surrounding treatment medium is induced and continued for a
predetermined time. Inducing relative tissue/fluid movement may be
accomplished by any of the configurations shown herein, such as
shaking or vibrating a container for the tissue and fluid, or by
flowing treatment fluid onto the tissue. Finally, the tissue pieces
are removed from the container, rinsed and stored for later use. Of
course, rather than storing the tissue, it may be formed directly
into leaflets and assembled into a heart valve directly after the
treatment process.
The solution is heated indirectly through the surrounding air, such
as with the radiant heaters 28 shown in FIG. 3, to a temperature of
about 50.degree. C. plus or minus 1.degree. C. The container is
shaken or the fluid is stirred to cause relative tissue/fluid
movement. The treatment time ranges between fourteen days to two
months, but is preferably closer to two months. The container 25 is
preferably a glass tissue culture flask having a volume of
approximately 250 ml., and the solution is a buffered
glutaraldehyde solution of adequate concentration, for example
between 0.2% and 0.8%. As mentioned above, a number of pieces of
tissue 22 may be treated at a single time within the container 25.
One proposed ratio of tissue to solution is approximately 12
leaflets or leaflet-sized pieces of tissue per every 150 ml of
solution.
Tissue Treatment Using Relative Tissue/Fluid Flow
FIG. 6 illustrates schematically another variation on a treatment
system 40 which utilizes flow past the tissue as opposed to shaking
a container or stirring the fluid in which the tissue is placed. A
flow creates the relative motion between the treatment solution and
the tissue which is believed to result in the beneficial
calcification mitigation effects.
The system 40 comprises a flow container 42 within which tissue 44
is placed. A number of conduits 46 connect one end of the flow
container 42 to a pump 50 and then to a solution reservoir 48.
Conduit 47, shown in dashed line, may be coimected between the
other end of the flow container 42 and the reservoir 48 to complete
a closed circulation loop. The pump propels treatment solution
through the system 40 in the direction shown by the arrows 52. The
tissue 44 is preferably restrained within the flow container 42
using means schematically illustrated at 56. Resistance heaters 54
are illustrated surrounding the reservoir 48. If immersion heaters
are used, they must be able to withstand the extended exposure to
sometimes caustic treatment fluid. Of course, one or both of the
resistance heating elements 54 may be removed from around the
reservoir, or alternative heating devices may be used. For example,
treatment system 40, and the system 20 or 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and
4, for that matter, may be enclosed in a larger enclosure or room
58 which is heated to the preferred temperature by internal or
external heaters. In the illustrated embodiment, thermocouples 59
are provided to sense the temperature within both the flow
container 42 and the reservoir 48. The thermocouple 59 in the
reservoir is preferably connected to feedback electronics for
controlling the heaters 56 based on the temperature of the fluid in
the reservoir. This is so that the temperature does not rise too
high to a level which might be detrimental to the tissue. The
temperature within the flow container is monitored using a
thermocouple both as a safety, and to record the precise
temperature profile of the treatment fluid.
The basic elements of a method for treating tissue using the system
40 are illustrated in FIG. 7. Initially, the tissue is harvested,
rinsed, fixed and cut into pieces, preferably squares or
rectangles, from which leaflets may be formed. The tissue (or
leaflets in some instances) may be placed within the flow container
42 and subjected to flow during or after fixation. In a preferred
embodiment, the tissue 44 is at least partially fixed before being
subjected to the flow within the system 40, and more preferably the
tissue is fully fixed prior to the treatment. The pieces of tissue
are then placed in the treatment container, and the solution caused
to flow therethrough, initiating relative movement between the
tissue pieces and surrounding treatment medium which is continued
for a predetermined time. The solution is heated directly outside
of the container, or indirectly by heating the container. Finally,
the tissue pieces are removed from the container, rinsed and stored
for later use. Of course, rather than storing the tissue, it may be
formed directly into leaflets and assembled into a heart valve
directly after the treatment process.
With reference to FIG. 6, the tissue is first fixed for a period of
between thirty minutes to fourteen days and placed in the flow
container 42. In an alternative, the tissue may be first placed
within the container 25 shown in FIG. 3 and shaken for a period of
thirty minutes. After the fixation (or after the shaking, if
desired), the tissue is placed in the flow container 42 and
subjected to solution flow of between ten and fifteen gallons per
minute (38-57 lpm) for a period of between fifteen to sixty days.
The solution is preferably heated directly within the reservoir 48
to a temperature of about 50.degree. C. (122.degree. F.). The
solution is preferably a 0.2-0.8% buffered glutaraldehyde, and the
tissue 44 is restrained from movement but allowed to shrink.
In an alternative method of treating tissue in the system 40, the
treatment time is between thirty and sixty days. The flow rate is
approximately 7.4 gallons per minute (28 lpm) on average, and is
uniform throughout a cross section normal to the flow within the
flow container 42. The tissue 44 is preferably a rectangle of
bovine pericardium of about 2 inches by 4 inches in dimension. This
size of tissue sample may be used to form one or two leaflets after
treatment.
Those with skill in the art will recognize that variations to the
above mentioned systems and processes for moving the fluid and/or
heating the tissue are available. For example, the flow of solution
past the tissue may be combined with a vibrational or shaking
motion of the flow container 42 to enhance any calcification
mitigation benefits derived from either method. Additionally,
though the system 40 is shown as a closed circulation device, fresh
solution may be pumped to the flow container 42 and discharged
after passing through the container (thus the conduit 47 is shown
as optional). Of course, this will require a significant amount of
treatment solution which may be prohibitively expensive.
Nevertheless, one of the theoretical mechanisms for the beneficial
aspects of the present treatment method including flow is that the
solution is constantly replenished in the region surrounding the
tissue so that a maximum mass transport of chemicals and/or
biological material such as protein is realized from the tissue to
the solution. Thus, a system which inputs fresh treatment solution,
rather than recycling it through a reservoir, would theoretically
be more effective in this regard.
Flow Column Apparatus
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a flow column 60 which may
represent the flow container 42 illustrated schematically in FIG.
6. The column 60 is preferably a clear acrylic tube 61 having an
inner diameter of approximately six inches (15.2 cm), a height of
about six feet (1.8 m), and a capacity of about ten gallons (38 l).
The top and bottom ends of the cylinder 60 are closed by caps 62a
and 62b, respectively, which are sealed against the inner surface
of the cylinder 60 with O-rings (not shown). A lower inlet fitting
64 centered in the cap 62b provides a conduit for introducing
treatment fluid to the lower end of the cylinder 60. Likewise, an
upper fitting 66 connected to the cap 62a provides an outlet for
the treatment fluid. A length of hose 68 connects the lower fitting
64 to a fluid pump 70, which is in turn connected by a hose 72 to a
fluid reservoir 74. A length of hose 76 connecting the upper
fitting 66 to the reservoir 74 completes the circulatory treatment
system. Those with skill in the art will understand the fluid
connections and requirements, which will not be described further
herein.
As mentioned above, the solution within the reservoir 74 is
preferably directly heated to the desired treatment temperature.
Although not illustrated, the reservoir is desirably provided with
one or more immersion resistance heaters. A thermocouple 77 senses
the temperature of the reservoir and is preferably connected to
feedback electronics for controlling the immersion heater so that
the solution temperature does not rise too high to a level which
might be detrimental to the tissue. The temperature within the flow
container is monitored using a thermocouple 78 both as a safety,
and to record the precise temperature profile of the treatment
fluid. Excessive temperatures can detrimentally affect the
treatment solution itself, and thus the heating must be done
gradually and with a heater having good temperature control.
The vertical flow column or cylinder 60 is segmented into a
plurality of vertical sections 80 (seen enlarged in FIG. 9) by a
number of regularly spaced baffles 82 having perforations 83. The
baffles are substantially circular perforated disks positioned
horizontally within the vertical cylinder 60, normal to the fluid
flow. The outer diameter of each baffle 82 contacts, or comes into
close proximity with, the inner surface of the tube 61. Although
the flow column 60 is illustrated vertically, other arrangements
will work. However, the vertical flow orientation is preferred to
help purge bubbles from the flow column at start up. In other
words, the bubbles naturally migrate out of the flow column in a
very short time, as opposed to a horizontal flow path, for example.
It should be also noted that the perforations are not shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 for clarity, but are shown in FIG. 10.
The baffles 82 are commonly mounted on a vertical support rod 84
extending along the axis of the cylinder 60. The support rod 84
contacts the lower ceiling cap 62b and extends upward into close
proximity to the upper cap 62a. As seen at the lower end of FIG. 8,
the support rod 84 preferably terminates in a stand member 86
having a pair of bifurcated legs 88 which contact the top surface
of lower cap 62b on either side of an inlet aperture 90. In this
manner, the support rod 84 can be positioned along the axis of the
cylinder 60 while not occluding inlet flow from the pump 70.
As mentioned above, the baffles 82 divide the cylinder 60 into a
plurality of vertical sections 80. In this respect, the vertical
sections 80 include the region between two baffles 82. In the
illustrated embodiment, there are eight such vertical sections 80
having a height of between seven and eight inches (17.8-20.3 cm).
The entire height of the column 60 is approximately 6 feet (1.8 m),
and thus there is some space left above the top baffle and below
the bottom baffle. The baffles 82 are slidably mounted on the
support rod 84 to enable adjustment of the spacing therebetween, if
desired. Furthermore, the tissue pieces 82 can be easily mounted
when the baffles 82 are removed from the system, whereupon the
baffles are slid over the support rod which is then positioned
within the tube 61. The tissue pieces to be treated are mounted in
a particular manner in a circumferential array about the support
rod 84, as will be apparent from the description of FIGS. 9-11.
At the top of the cylinder 60 a vertical space is created between
the upper baffle and the upper cap 62a, in which the central
support rod 84 terminates. The space is needed to insure that the
flow passing through upper baffle 82 is not unduly disturbed so
that the flow within the upper vertical section 80 remains uniform
in a horizontal cross section. Indeed, the uniformity of flow
across any horizontal cross section between the baffles is
important in the present configuration to insure that the flow past
any one piece of tissue is equal to the flow past other tissues.
The primary mechanism for insuring such uniform flow is the baffles
82 themselves. Preferably, the perforations 83 are sufficiently
numerous and have a sufficient diameter so that the cross-sectional
area of the baffles 82 has less structural material than open flow
channels. The baffles 82 are thus designed to maintain a uniform,
non-laminar upward flow stream through each flow section 80.
At the lower end of the cylinder 60, below the lowest baffle 82, a
flow straightener 92 is positioned just above a velocity reducer
plate 94. Inlet flow through the aperture 90 thus passes upward
through the velocity reducer plate 94 and flow straightener 92 to
impinge on the lowest baffle 82. The velocity reducer plate 94 is a
disc like plate having a plurality of apertures 96 formed therein.
The apertures are relatively widely spaced in the plate 94 to
create a drag on the flow and slow its velocity. The flow
straightener 92 resembles a honeycomb structure with a relatively
densely spaced number of individual flow channels, and has a
vertical dimension greater than the velocity reducer plate 94 or
baffles 82. Flow enters the column 60 through the aperture 90 and
continues upward through the velocity reducer plate 94 and
straightener 92. After flow passes through the straightener 92, it
impinges on the lowest baffle 82. The treatment solution flows
upward through each baffle 82 into each successive section 80 and
out the top of the column 60. The column 60 is initially filled
with air which is forced out as the surface of the upwardly
advancing treatment solution flow passes upward through the
column.
Now with reference to FIG. 9, a vertical section 80 is enlarged
illustrating a plurality of tissue mounts 100 depending from the
upper baffle 82. The tissue mounts 100 comprise U-shaped members
102, more clearly shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 10 shows the
circumferential array of mounts 100 surrounding the central support
rod 84. Each mount 100 has a generally rectangular configuration
and is oriented radially in the baffle 82. That is, free ends of
the U-shaped members 102 insert within similarly sized downwardly
opening apertures 104 in the baffle 82. One of the apertures 104
for each mount 100 is positioned close to the support rod 84, while
the other is positioned close to the tube 61. The apertures 104
extend approximately halfway through the thickness of the baffle 82
and a smaller diameter through hole 106 continuous upward to the
top surface of the baffle. This hole 106 is needed to push the
mounts 100 from the apertures 104 when treatment is finished.
Preferably, the legs of the U-shaped members 102 are spread outward
a slight amount so that they have to be squeezed together to fit
into the two apertures 104. This ensures a tight fit so the mounts
100 will not fall out of the apertures 104.
Rectangular tissue pieces 108 are attached to the mounts with
sutures or other similar expedient. In the illustrated embodiment,
a lower edge 110 of each tissue piece 108 loops around the bridge
portion of the U-shaped member 102 and is sewn to the main body of
the tissue piece along line 112. In this way, the leading edge of
the tissue piece 108 in the upward flow stream is rounded, and thus
protected from friction induced tearing or wear. One or more
sutures 114 connect the upper corners of the tissue piece 108 to
the upper ends of the legs of the U-shaped members 112. Preferably
the tissue piece 108 is only connected at one or two locations
along its vertical length to prevent gross movement or flapping of
the tissue, while allowing the maximum freedom for the tissue to
shrink. An O-ring 116 or other such device placed on each leg of
the member 112 prevents the sutures 114 from sliding down the leg.
The upward flow 118 of treatment solution also assists in
maintaining the generally planar configuration of each tissue piece
108.
Mounting the tissue pieces 108 in a planar configuration
substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the solution
ensures that an even amount of solution contacts both sides of the
tissue. That is, is the tissue pieces were canted with respect to
the flow, the backsides would be exposed to less direct flow, and
eddy currents and the like might be set up, further making the
fluid exposure nonuniform. In addition, the preferred parallel
orientation minimizes any stretching of the tissue during the
extensive treatment period, such as might occur if the fluid was
directed to one face of the tissue or the other.
The radial orientation of the plane of each tissue piece 108
desirably ensures uniform contact with treatment solution during
flow through the column 60. Ideally, the baffles 82 include
perforations 120, seen in FIG. 10, which create the uniform,
nonlinear flow. The same velocity of solution is produced at any
radial point from the support rod 84 outward. Of course, different
piece of tissue 108 have been shown to possess widely different
properties, even from the same pericardial sac. Nevertheless, the
present treatment configuration is designed to maximize the
uniformity of conditions seen by each piece of tissue 108. There
may be some variation in treatment conditions between the top and
bottom reaches of the container due to fluid head differences, but
applicants believe that such variations are minimal for the six
foot tall column 60 described herein.
There are preferably eight vertical sections 80 in which six tissue
pieces 108 are mounted for a total of forty-eight tissue pieces
being treated at once. Of course, other numbers of sections and
tissue pieces per section are possible. The present flow column is
extremely well-suited for consistently manufacturing high quality
treated bioprosthetic tissue. The segmented flow column with
uniform flow, and vertical orientation of each tissue piece 108
provides high uniformity of treatment. The modular nature of the
column with the entire support rod 84 having all of the baffles 82
attached thereto is a significant advantage in manufacturing. One
batch of tissues may be treated, and then removed so that after
flushing the system a new batch can be ready for installation and
treatment. Furthermore, the flow column lends itself to a high
degree of control over the system parameters such as the relative
tissue/fluid velocity and the temperature. Significantly, there are
no large stagnant zones of flow within the column, and especially
not within each vertical segment 80.
Rat Subcutaneous Studies
FIGS. 12 and 13 are results of calcium uptake measurements from
tissue treated in a variety of ways, implanted subcutaneously in
rats for several months, and then removed. These graphs indicate
that heat alone reduces calcium uptake in comparison with a
control, and that heat and motion reduces the calcium update even
further. A number of shaking, stirring or movement apparatuses were
used at two different temperatures, with the same general
results.
FIG. 12 shows the results from three groups of samples of untreated
and treated bovine pericardium tissue. The first group (GLUT
CONTROL) exhibited an average measurement of about 16% calcium from
12 tissue samples which were subjected to a post-fixation treatment
of unheated and static glutaraldehyde. The second group (HEAT)
exhibited an average measurement of about 7% calcium from 8 tissue
samples which were subjected to a post-fixation treatment of static
glutaraldehyde heated to a temperature of 50.degree. C. Finally,
the third group (HEAT AND SHAKING) exhibited an average measurement
of about 4% calcium from 7 tissue samples which were subjected to a
post-fixation treatment of static glutaraldehyde heated to a
temperature of 50.degree. C. The treatment solution for all three
groups was identical--0.6% HEPES-glutaraldehyde at a pH of 7.4--and
the treatment period was equal--2 months. The third group was
shaken in a bottle or container using a reciprocal orbital shaker
actuated at 80 RPM. The rats were all approximately 12 days old,
and the tissue samples were left implanted for eight weeks.
FIG. 13 shows the results from a number of groups of samples of
untreated and treated bovine pericardium tissue. The calcium uptake
results for the groups are indicated by bars with different shading
depending on the overall treatment regimen. Thus, the black bars
for group 1 are the control (no heat or shaking), the middle shaded
bars are for samples subjected to shaking and heat treated to
50.degree. C., and the right-hand white bars are for samples
subjected to shaking and heat treated to 42.degree. C.
Group 1 on the left is a control and shows results for two
subgroups of 7 and 4 samples each. The control samples were treated
for 2 months in 0.6% HEPES-glutaraldehyde at a pH of 7.4 with no
heat or movement. Each sample was implanted in 16 day old rats, and
left implanted for a period of between 3 and 4 months before being
removed to test for calcium.
Groups 4-6 in the middle were all heat treated at 50.degree. C. in
the same treatment solution as group 1 for the same period. The
differences between the treatment regimen for groups 2-6 are the
methods used to induce relative tissue/fluid movement. The methods
are shown graphically below each group. Group 2-7 includes two
subgroups of 7 and 8 samples each subjected to reciprocal orbital
shaking. Group 3-7 includes two subgroups of 2 and 11 samples each
placed in a flask with a magnetic stirring bar in the bottom. Group
4 is the same method as group 3 but with two subgroups of 8 samples
each placed on a filter instead of being allowed to float around
the flask. Group 5 included two subgroups of 12 samples each placed
in a first container and subjected to a rolling motion, using a
tilted ferris wheel arrangement. Group 6 included two subgroups of
20 and 12 samples each placed in a second container and also
subjected to a rolling motion.
Groups 7-9 on the right were all heat treated at 42.degree. C. in
the same treatment solution as groups 1-8 and for the same period.
Again, the differences between the treatment regimen for groups 7-9
are the methods used to induce relative tissue/fluid movement,
shown graphically below each group. Group 7 includes two subgroups
of 8 and 4 samples each subjected to reciprocal orbital shaking.
Group 8 includes two subgroups of 8 and 11 samples each placed in a
flask with a magnetic stirring bar in the bottom. Group 9 is the
same method as group 8 but with two subgroups of 8 samples each
placed on a filter instead of being allowed to float around the
flask.
It is apparent from these tests that the shaking and heat treatment
reduced calcium intake over the control group, as well as over the
heat treatment alone. Also, treatment at 50.degree. C. was
substantially more effective than treatment at 42.degree. C.
Comparisons of the different shaking/stirring methods indicates
that stirring with a magnetic rod within the flask produced the
least amount of calcium uptake, regardless of temperature, although
perhaps not by a significant margin at 50.degree. C.
It is understood that the exemplary methods and apparatuses for
treating glutaraldehyde fixed biological tissue described herein
and shown in the drawings represent only presently preferred
embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, various modifications
and additions may be made to such embodiments without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various
fixing agents, such as Denacol.RTM. or aldehydes other than
glutaraldehyde, may exhibit properties similar to those
glutaraldehyde so as to make them suitable for use in the present
invention and, thus, may likewise be utilized. Accordingly, these
and other modifications and additions may be obvious to those
skilled in the art and may be implemented to adapt the present
invention for use in a variety of different applications.
Furthermore, the scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the appended claims.
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