588017 Disclosed is an apparatus for use in processing higher quality "raw" bovine pericardium by reducing tissue damage, where pericardium is used in xenografts or for the manufacture of artificial heart valves which are implantable into humans. The apparatus comprises a mold including a generally hemispheroid or prolate hemispheroid dome joined to a support base upon which the mold is mounted. The hemispheroid dome has a diameter between 10 cm and 30 cm at the widest point that is suitable for stretching a pericardium over the dome. The dome surface is constructed from metal or plastic materials.
