Histologic Changes of Implanted Gore Bio-A in an Experimental Animal Model

Gore Bio-A has been reported to be an ideal synthetic bioabsorbable scaffold material for hernia repair. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Gore Bio-A in soft tissue augmentation. Six New Zealand white rabbits were used in the study. Five subcutaneous pockets were created on the back of the rabbit, and 20 × 20 mm sized square shaped Gore Bio-A sheets, each 1.5 mm, 3 mm, 4.5 mm, 6 mm, and 7.5 mm in thickness, were implanted into each pocket (1 layer to 5 layers). To analyze the morphologic and histologic changes, the implants were harvested 1, 3, and 6 months after implantation. Following the gross analysis, absorption rate was accelerated with increased implant duration and decreased thickness. Histological analysis of the implants demonstrated progressive neovascularization, fibroblast infiltration, and neocollagenation over time. Six months after implantation, Gore Bio-A was almost absorbed and degenerated, not maintaining its volume. Based on this study, Gore Bio-A was revealed as a biocompatible material; however, it is not suitable for soft tissue augmentation because it is absorbed in the process of changing into soft tissue without maintaining its own volume. Therefore, this material is incomplete and needs more study to overcome this limitation.