Prosthesis for tensile-load-carrying tissue and method of manufacture

The inventive article is a ligament or tendon prosthesis having multiple longitudinally parallel strands of microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, the individual strands having an average porosity greater than 30% in the areas requiring tissue ingrowth. Additionally, strand dimensions and microstructure are selected so that tissue can penetrate throughout. The prosthesis is formed from multiple loops of a single continuous filament. Densified eyelets are formed in the loop for mounting to bone. The strands are twisted 180 DEG or arranged in a loose braid about the prothesis axis for improved load distribution during bending of the prosthesis.

Duke Scholars

Author James R. Bain Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition