[Long-term histological outcome for the larynx after Gore-Tex medialization thyroplasty].
OBJECTIVE
We studied the long-term histological response of the human larynx to Gore-Tex implant and evaluated whether its biocompatibility.


METHODS
Retrospective histological study.


METHODS
We conducted medialization laryngoplasty with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTEE or Gore-Tex) in a patient with vocal-fold paralysis. A strip of Gore-Tex was folded several times and inserted into the pocket preserving the inner perichondrium through a thyroid cartilage window. The patient died 12 months later and we histologically analyzed the larynx.


RESULTS
No evidence was seen of foreign body granuloma, migration, extrusion, or infection. A modest inflammatory response with a fibrous capsule was present around implants. We confirmed the infiltration of abundant collagen and numerous fibroblasts into the microporous implant structure.


CONCLUSIONS
Histological examination results suggest that Gore-Tex implants are safe and biocompatible with the human larynx. A slight inflammatory response and infiltration of fibrous tissue into the implant itself demonstrated that Gore-Tex implants are immunologically well tolerated.
Sasai
Hisanori
H
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mita Hospital International University of Health & Welfare, Tokyo.
Watanabe
Yusuke
Y
Miyahara
Hiroshi
H
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D044964:Cervicoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000601:surgery
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene