Gore launches larger sized BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement for surgical procedures

American College of Surgeons 96^th Annual Clinical Congress--W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) today announced the availability of larger sized GORE® BIO-A® Tissue Reinforcement, a valuable alternative to biologics for reinforcement of soft tissue in surgical procedures. GORE BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement is a unique non-biologic scaffold that is gradually absorbed by the body. The open, highly interconnected 3D pore structure facilitates rapid cell infiltration and vascularization.

“Our clinical data suggests surgeons may want to consider using the BIO-A material for soft tissue reinforcement”

Since GORE BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement is not derived from biologic tissue; there is no risk of disease transfer like those associated with human or animal tissue. Due to the synthetic nature of GORE BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement, surgeons see an additional advantage over biologics in the product's uniformity, thickness, and consistency. Clinical evidence demonstrates that the scaffold guides regeneration of favorable type I collagen. With a three-year shelf life that requires no special handling, storage or tracking, the versatile material of GORE BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement is an easy to use, performance proven choice that offers value to surgeons and hospitals.

"The [GORE]BIO-A product is a viable alternative to biologics with comparable or even better results when used with proper abdominal wall reconstruction techniques," said Dr. Alfredo Carbonell, Chief, Division of Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery and Co-director of the Hernia Center at Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center. "Unfortunately, the historical explosion in utilization and plethora of available biologic products has far superseded the evidence of their effectiveness. At a fraction of the cost of biologics there is a strong economic argument for the use of bioabsorbables, like the BIO-A material."

"Our clinical data suggests surgeons may want to consider using the BIO-A material for soft tissue reinforcement," said Dr. Garth Jacobsen, Director of the University of California, San Diego, Hernia Center. "The BIO-A product will perform at least as well, if not better, than a biologic when used appropriately, and has the absolute benefit of a significantly reduced cost profile. The ease of use is an added advantage to the surgeon."

"At Gore Medical, we have a long track record of providing safe and valuable options to physicians and patients. GORE BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement is one more way in which we are changing the landscape," said Ron Anderson, associate with the General Surgical Products Business for Gore Medical.

GORE BIO-A Tissue Reinforcement is intended for use in the reinforcement of soft tissue, including hernia repair (in non-load bearing applications), muscle flap reinforcement and general tissue reconstructions. More specific applications include: stoma reversal, paraesophageal/hiatal hernia repair, breast reconstruction using pedicled TRAM flap, abdominoperineal resection and abdominal wall reconstruction.

Source W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES