Dual porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for soft-tissue augmentation.
BACKGROUND
A variety of nondegradable polymers have been evaluated for use as soft-tissue augmentation devices. This study compared a novel dual porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene with current, clinically used devices.


METHODS
Studies were performed in a porcine model of soft-tissue healing with both histologic evaluations and determination of biomechanical strength of tissue incorporation. Five different samples of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene were used in this study. Control devices were clinically available soft-tissue augmentation devices manufactured by W. L. Gore and Associates (Newark, Del.). Atrium Medical Corporation (Hudson, NH) manufactured three test devices with modified porosities. A total of 12 animals were used with implant evaluations performed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.


RESULTS
Significant differences in tissue incorporation were observed morphologically with the dual porosity material, including reduced inflammation and increased cellular and extracellular matrix incorporation of the material. Significant increases in both angiogenesis (new vessel formation in the peri-implant tissue) and neovascularization (blood vessel penetration into the interstices of the implants) were observed with the dual porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel dual porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is associated with reduced inflammation and more extensive tissue incorporation as compared with the currently available form. These results suggest a dual porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene may provide a superior material for soft-tissue augmentation.
Williams
Stuart K
SK
Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA. skwill@u.arizona.edu
Patula
Vangie B
VB
Kleinert
Leigh B
LB
Martakos
Paul
P
Lane
John P
JP
Karwoski
Ted
T
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D016062:Porosity; D011897:Random Allocation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D014945:Wound Healing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene