ATLANTA  -- CryoLife, Inc., a human tissue processing and bio-surgical device company, announced today that it has licensed a patented technology from Clearant, Inc. designed to inactivate microorganisms, including pathogens, from tissue obtained from human donors. A pathogen is any agent that causes disease in humans, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. CryoLife plans to further develop and employ this technology in processing human orthopaedic tissue primarily used in the repair of sports injuries.

This unique, patented technology is based on gamma irradiation and is designed to substantially reduce microbial contamination and other pathogens, while maintaining tissue integrity.

"We are pleased to finalize this agreement with Clearant, which gives us access to their unique technology for processing human orthopedic tissue allografts. Our ultimate goal is to provide patients with sterile orthopaedic tissue," said Steven G. Anderson, president and CEO of CryoLife.

Since the company was founded in 1984, more than 100,000 patients have received CryoLife processed tissues in cardiac, vascular, and orthopaedic reconstruction surgical procedures.

CryoLife, Inc. is a leader in the processing and distribution of implantable living human tissues for use in cardiovascular and vascular surgeries throughout the United States and Canada. The company's BioGlue Surgical Adhesive is FDA approved as an adjunct to sutures and staples for use in adult patients in open surgical repair of large vessels and is CE marked in the European community and approved in Canada for use in soft tissue repair and approved in Australia for use in vascular and pulmonary sealing and repair. 