First implant of cryopreserved osteoarticular allograft

CryoLife, a biomaterials and biosurgical device company, announced today that a patient received the first Cryopreserved osteoarticular (OA) allograft transplant for resurfacing articular cartilage in the knee. The OA allograft is a section of bone with overlying cartilage derived from the end of the femur, in this case from the femoral condyle.

Patients suffering from a damaged articular surface of the femoral bone usually experience pain and limited mobility that can hinder normal activities. During surgery, the patient's damaged articular surface is removed and replaced with CryoLife's OA allograft, restoring the articular surface.

Dr. Philip A. Davidson, of Tampa Bay Orthopaedic Specialists in St. Petersburg, Florida, performed the surgery. "Prior to this new cryopreservation technology, OA grafts had limited shelf-life and were generally made available for implant with less than two weeks before expiration (45 days). More patients can benefit from these precious grafts as cryopreservation allows for enhanced logistics, improved availability and optimal size and shape matching of these grafts. By introducing these Cryopreserved OA grafts, I believe CryoLife can improve the lives of many of my patients."

"According to FDA donor eligibility guidelines that become effective on May 25, 2005, tissue processors must review all relevant medical records pertaining to tissue donors, which includes autopsy reports. In many cases, autopsy reports are not available within 45 days. Autopsy reports must be received and reviewed prior to the release of donor tissues," said Dr. Gregory Ray, Associate Medical Director of CryoLife, Inc.