Dual-Porosity Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene

One of the newer implants containing dual-porosity ePTFE (example: UltraSoft, SoftForm) consists of a soft, high-porosity center integrated with a smooth, medium-porosity outer surface layer, and it has the benefit of readily accepting a patient’s collagen. As a result, a more natural tissue healing response may be achieved. This facial implant has a low incidence of complications. The implant is permanent but reversible.

In a study comparing the biomechanical effects of ePTFE implant structure on the stability of a soft tissue implant, the authors used an in vivo porcine model to look at implant retention, fixation strength, and removability in both tubular and solid-strip ePTFE implants. They found that tubular implants facilitated growth of soft tissue through the tube’s lumen, which increased the attachment to surrounding soft tissues, increasing fixation strength and decreasing extrusion rate but still allowing easy removal.