Patent ID: RE42479

Claim:
A method for making a cell-matrix construct for use as in the shape of a heart valve or blood vessel or heart valve leaflet comprising implanting into an animal at a first site a cell-matrix construct comprising ( a) a fibrous matrix formed in the shape of a heart valve or heart value leaflet, wherein the matrix consists of a synthetic , biocompatible, chemically biodegradable polymer , and ( b) having seeded therein a mixture of cells selected from the group selected from consisting of endothelial cells, myofibroblasts, skeletal muscle cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, myocytes, fibromyoblasts, and ectodermal cells, seeded thereon, wherein the synthetic chemically biodegradable polymer provides the biochemical properties of a heart valve or leaflet until the seeded cells can lay down their own extracellular matrix, and matrix is formed of a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer, and implanting into an animal or human the matrix at a site where the resulting cell-construct is needed the matrix is formed so that the cells attach to and proliferate on it to the edges of the matrix .