Tissue Reaction and Morphologic Change of Gore-Tex Implant in the Rabbit Model

ABSTRACT

Various materials have been proposed for use in aesthetic and reconstructive augmentation of the face. Three basic types of material are currently available autografts, homografts, and alloplasts. Alloplastic materials have been used widely for soft tissue augmentation. Many synthetic material have been developed for alloplasty; among these, the porous material, Gore-Tex(r)(ePTFE) allows minimal fibrous tissue ingrowth but the amount is sufficient to confer some stability of the implant in soft tissue over time. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tissue reaction and size change of Gore-Tex in rabbits. A precise pockets were made in the plane below the panniculus carnosus and periosteum. The 25x5x3mm sized rectangular shape of Gore-Tex(r) was then inserted into the pocket. Tissue specimens including skin and implant were obtained in 1, 3, 6 months after implantation. The specimens were examined grossly and microscopically. Grossly, none of the implants were lost or extruded and there was no evidence of wound infection, hematoma, or seroma formation. Thickness of implants under periosteum decreased more than panniculus carnosus. Results of light microscopy revealed a mild inflammatory cell reaction in the early implant group(1 month) at the tissue-implant interface. Within the substance of the material, tissue ingrowth was not observed in the early implant group(1 month and 3 months), but was observed in the late implant group(6 months). In this study the Gore-Tex appears to be a safe and reliable substance for use in augmentation of bony and soft tissue structure of the face.