Founded in 1984, CryoLife, Inc. was the first biomedical company to commercially develop the ultra-low temperature preservation of viable human heart valves for transplant.  Since then, we have been engaged in an exciting transfer of technology which has led to the highly successful preservation of human saphenous and femoral veins as well as orthopaedic tissues.  Today, CryoLife is the pioneer and leader in processing, preserving and distributing living human tissues for use in reconstructive cardiac and vascular surgeries.  Our proprietary processes for preserving human heart valves, veins and connective tissue have dramatically improved and enhanced the lives of tens of thousands of patients.

In 1995, CryoLife acquired the rights to the O'Brien Stentless Aortic Porcine Bioprostheses.  This clinically proven product represented the "state-of-the-art" in xenograft technology and brought a new and complementary dimension to CryoLife's commitment to improving the quality of life for patients who require such devices.

To accommodate the growth of its tissue processing operations, in 1996, CryoLife completed the construction and build-out of a modern 100,000 square-foot headquarters and laboratory facility in suburban Atlanta, Georgia.  It houses the Company's executive and administrative staff, research and development functions, regulatory and quality assurance activities, and the human tissue preservation laboratory.

During the 1990's, CryoLife directed its research and development efforts toward diversified programs aimed at creating new products and services in the fields of cardiovascular, vascular, and orthopaedic surgery.  CryoLife scientists, using the disciplines of cell biology, biochemistry and protein chemistry, developed a new and distinctive technology platform that is a major advancement in medical technology.

CryoLife's Protein Hydrogel Technologies (PHT) opened the door to an array of new biomaterials that may be used in the surgical arena.  BioGlue, a protein-based surgical adhesive, represents the first PHT product to be commercially introduced into world markets.

Since its introduction into the international market in 1998 and the U.S. market in 2001, BioGlue has been used in more than 350,000 surgical procedures worldwide. BioGlue is used by surgeons worldwide to reinforce friable, diseased or damaged tissues, such as cardiac and vascular tissue.

To support the development of the BioGlue family of products, in September 2001, CryoLife completed construction of an additional 100,000 square foot facility immediately adjacent to the laboratory completed in 1996.  The newest facility provides manufacturing facilities for BioGlue surgical adhesive and bioprosthetic implantable devices for international markets.

Today, CryoLife continues to expand its protein hydrogel technology platform and develop emerging products in the cardiac and vascular markets.