Patent ID: 7175852
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for producing an implant having a textured foreign structure and, at least partially anchored therein, a porous protein matrix layer having a substantially unidirectional and homogeneous pore structure from one to the other of the two faces of the layer, the method comprising the steps of: A. providing a textured foreign structure, and an aqueous suspension, dispersion or paste which contains insoluble collagen and non-collagenous, soluble constituent(s) that are any one or more of acids, glycerol, ethanol, growth factors, extracellular matrix components, hirudin, aspirin, heparan sulphate, or albumin; B. applying the suspension, dispersion or paste to the textured foreign structure; C. introducing, at least partially, the suspension, dispersion or paste into the textured foreign structure by means of pressure, vacuum or centrifugation, to form a collagenous layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being the lower or inner face and the second surface respectively being the upper or outer face of the layer; and D. freezing the layer by unilaterally cooling it by contacting one, but not both, of the two surfaces with a cooling agent, to form a temperature gradient between the two surfaces, and changing the temperature of the cooling agent in contact with said one surface at least once in a continuous manner during the freezing, until said cooling produces ice crystals that are substantially perpendicular to the cooling agent-contacted surface, whereby the layer is frozen.