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Figure 6 Histology of the healing response to BioSTAR devices. After 30 days in vivo, first signs of remodeling of the collagen matrix were observed: fraying and longitudinal splitting of the matrix (A and B, enlarged detail in C), beginning of phagocytic resorption (C, arrows point at multinucleated giant cells) and infiltration by host fibrous cells (D) occurred. Progressive structural disintegration and absorption of the collagen matrix proceeded over time (E to J, level of residual collagen, arrowheads). Occasionally, sections showed circumscribed lymphocytic infiltrates (H, arrowhead) in close vicinity to the matrix. After 1 year, sections showed remnants of the occluder matrix (I, enlarged detail in J). The implanted collagen matrix was completely replaced by host tissue after 2 years in vivo (K, enlarged detail in L). *Rim of ASD. H and E and elastica van Gieson staining. Original magnification x2.5 (G, K), x5 (E, I, L), x10 (A, B), x20 (F, H, J), x40 (C, D).