ISSN:
0021-9304
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Technology
Notes:
Healing of biomaterial implants varies depending on the type and structure of material and the tissue surrounding the implant. In this study we examined structural differences of 30 μm, 60 μm, and 100 μm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) using scanning electron microscopy, and we also investigated differences in healing for these three different porosity ePTFE grafts implanted within subcutaneous tissue and adipose tissue. Scanning electron microscopic examination of 30 μm, 60 μm, and 100 μm ePTFE revealed structural differences and differences in fiber density within the internodal space. Circular patches (6 mm in diameter) of 30 μm ePTFE were implanted within subcutaneous tissue and epididymal fat pads of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 5 weeks, the implants were removed and analyzed for fibrous capsule formation, endothelialization, and for activated monocytes and macrophages in association with the material. Histological evaluation revealed dense fibrous capsule formation surrounding only the 30 μm ePTFE subcutaneous implants. From immunohistochemistry data obtained, we generated an Endothelialization Index (measure of neovascularization) and a Monocyte/Macrophage Index (measure of inflammatory response) for each sample. Consistently, 60 μm ePTFE had the greatest Endothelialization Index at both implant sites while 100 μm ePTFE generally had the largest values for the Monocyte/Macrophage Index. These data indicate that both the structure of the material and the site of implant influence the healing characteristics of ePTFE and suggest that activated monocytes and/or macrophages associated with the implant may inhibit endothelialization of ePTFE. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
