Abstract
Objectives: We studied the long-term histological response of the human larynx to Gore-Tex® implant and evaluated whether its biocompatibility.
Study design: Retrospective histological study.
Methods: We conducted medialization laryngoplasty with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTEE or Gore-Tex®) in a patient with vocal-fold paralysis. A strip of Gore-Tex® was folded several times and inserted into the pocket preserving the inner perichondrium through a thyroid cartilage window. The patient died 12 months later and we histologically analyzed the larynx.
Results: No evidence was seen of foreign body granuloma, migration, extrusion, or infection. A modest inflammatory response with a fibrous capsule was present around implants. We confirmed the infiltration of abundant collagen and numerous fibroblasts into the microporous implant structure.
Conclusion: Histological examination results suggest that Gore-Tex® implants are safe and biocompatible with the human larynx. A slight inflammatory response and infiltration of fibrous tissue into the implant itself demonstrated that Gore-Tex® implants are immunologically well tolerated.
