Gore Introduces Biomaterial With Enhanced Tissue Ingrowth Surface; New GORE-TEX DUALMESH Biomaterial Provides Increased Tissue Fixation.

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 11, 2000

W. L. Gore &Associates Inc. Friday announced the release of a modified version of its GORE-TEX(R) DUALMESH(R) Biomaterial featuring a new fascial interface surface for increased tissue fixation.

Composed entirely of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the enhanced biomaterial is indicated for both open and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair.

While the low porosity, visceral interface surface of GORE-TEX(R) DUALMESH(R) Biomaterial remains unchanged, the profile of the fascial interface surface on the opposite side of the material now features expanded ePTFE &uot;ridges&uot; and &uot;valleys.&uot;

This new surface stimulates a heightened tissue fixation process, rendering the material translucent in less than one week due to a rapid influx of cells and proteinaceous fluids.

According to Stuart Broyles, Ph.D., product specialist for Gore's surgical biomaterial products, GORE-TEX(R) DUALMESH(R) Biomaterial offers general and thoracic surgeons the optimal prosthetic material for all types of hernia repair procedures.

&uot;The new tissue ingrowth surface of DUALMESH(R) Biomaterial is another advancement in Gore's 25-year history of ePTFE innovation, which has provided enhanced solutions for hernia and soft tissue reconstructions,&uot; said Doctor Broyles. &uot;The unique, dual-surface design of this biomaterial is now of even greater benefit to surgeons by enabling faster tissue attachment on the fascial interface side, while minimizing tissue attachment on the visceral interface side.

&uot;Long term, the product will bond firmly to host fascia, yet function as a physically-smooth and conformable abdominal wall prosthesis.&uot;

Unlike hybrid mesh products, the new DUALMESH(R) Biomaterial configuration can be cut, folded and sewn without fear of material separation. The &uot;ridges&uot; on the fascial interface surface significantly aid in the abdominal laparoscopic introduction of the material, as well as its unrolling and placement.

GORE-TEX(R) DUALMESH(R) Biomaterial is available in a variety of configurations, widths from 7.5 to 26 cm, and lengths from 10 to 34 cm in 1 mm thickness.

For additional information concerning GORE-TEX(R) DUALMESH(R) Biomaterial, contact W. L. Gore &Associates, Medical Products Division at 800/528-8763, or visit our web site at www.gore.com.

About W. L. Gore &Associates Inc.

W. L. Gore &Associates Inc. is one of the world's leading technology-based companies.

For more than 40 years, the Gore vision -- Creative Technologies Worldwide -- has been employed in the manufacture of high quality products for diverse industries, including medical, aerospace, automotive, chemical, computer, defense, energy, industrial automation, fabrics, pharmaceutical, semiconductor and telecommunications.

Posting annual sales exceeding $1.23 billion, Gore operates more than 45 facilities and employs over 6,500 associates around the world.

Gore's Medical Products Division provides such healing solutions as synthetic blood vessels, patches for soft tissue regeneration, and surgical sutures for use in vascular, cardiac, general surgery and orthopedic procedures. GORE Medical Products are uniquely designed for biocompatibility, and work in harmony with the body's own tissues to restore normal body functions.

This capability shortens patients' treatment and recovery times, facilitates less invasive procedures, and offers surgeons new solutions to medical challenges.

GORE, GORE-TEX(R), and DUALMESH(R) are trademarks of W. L. Gore &Associates. (c) 2000 W. L. Gore &Associates Inc.