| abstract |
A method of forming a reconstructive structure for cartilaginous elements, and the product produced by that method is disclosed. A length of small intestine submucosa tissue (10) is wrapped around a mandril (20) having legs (22 and 24) connected a bight (26) and diverging from that point. The diverging angle of the legs (22, 24) of the mandril is selected to compensate for various lengths of the edges (12, 14) and to produce flat or planar layers. The multilayered composite produced is used in the repair or replacement of cartilaginous tissues. |