| abstract |
A method for retarding or preventing the calcification of a prosthesis implanted in a mammal by covalently coupling to the prosthesis before implantation an effective amount of an anticalcification agent in the form of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof, which contains from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms and which may be straight-chain or branched-chain and saturated or unsaturated. Such acid is substituted by at least one amino, mercapto, carboxyl or hydroxyl group by which the covalent coupling takes place. For a natural tissue prosthesis, such coupling may be to an aldehyde group of gluteraldehyde in which the tissue is pre-soaked. |