Device for conditioning ex vivo pericardial tissue

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for conditioning ex vivo pericardial tissue that has a parietal side and a fibrous side from which fibers extend. A blade assembly includes a blade head having a blade array and a face that defines gaps therein. The parietal side of the tissue is placed downward against a support plate, and a motor is operated to move the blade array with respect to the face. The face contacts the tissue such that the fibers protrude through the gaps and into the blade head. The blade array shears the fibers that protrude through the gaps into the blade head, yielding sheared fibers. Other embodiments are also described.