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Abstract

A method of making a bioprosthetic conduit, comprises the steps of: (a) taking a cylindrical mould, having circumferentially spaced protuberances which extend radially from the axis; (b) curving a layer of a biocompatible sheet material around the cylindrical mould, and joining the opposed edges of the layer together along a longitudinal axis, parallel to the axis of the mould to form a tubular layer; and (c) removing the tubular layer from the mould and turning it inside out to form a cylindrical conduit with sinuses, the conduit being fully fixed by a chemical means; after removal or while still on the mould. Where the conduit is required to be valved, in an additional step (d) an outer biocompatible layer is overlaid on the underlying tubular layer to form a superimposed layer, so that the superimposed layer partially covers the protuberances, the superimposed layer is held in place and sealed onto the underlying tubular layer around the protuberances, to form sinuses and cusps or valve flaps, the layers being partially fixed on the mould by a chemical means.

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First Claim