New collagen implant as dural substitute.

A collagen prosthesis was developed as a dural substitute. It is composed of a Dallop matrix-polyester knitted net with radiation cross-linked collagen on both sides. Collagen was derived from enzyme-treated bovine Achilles tendons. Improved hydrophilic properties of the polyester base ensuring stronger adhesion to collagen were obtained by pretreating the net with a low-temperature plasma in air. Cross-linking of collagen and simultaneous sterilization of the final prosthesis was obtained by irradiation with 5 MeV electrons. Measurement of the physicochemical parameters of the prostheses gives satisfactory results. In vitro biological examinations show that the prostheses are non-toxic. The results of in vivo clinical experimental evaluation are positive and lead to the conclusion that the collagen-covered polyester net does not differ significantly from Zenoderm dural substitute.