Gore-Tex® ePTFE in Nasal Surgery and Review of Long-Term Results

More than 10 years have passed since the author first used Gore-Tex® expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as a facial implant material. To date, the material has been tolerated very successfully without any signs of degradation or alteration. Previous research studies have confirmed the stability of the material. It has become increasingly popular and has recently received FDA approval as Subcutaneous Tissue Augmentation Material (SAM®) for use as a soft tissue filler of the face. More importantly, this author has documented two specific areas for consideration. First, the material does not need to be used by itself as an independent implant material. It can be bonded to other materials, such as silicone rubber, and thus be used for its unique surface properties while enjoying the structural integrity of the silicone rubber. (This use has not received FDA approval.) Secondly, as an added precaution, it is wise to prepare the material before implantation by vacuum impregnation with an antibiotic solution. Before use of this type of preparation was started in June 1989, the author experienced 9 infections out of 67 facial implants with Gore-Tex (13%). Since vacuum impregnation was initiated, there has been 1 infection out of 165 implantations (0.61%). There have been no infections or extrusions with nasal surgery since antibiotic impregnation was started.