[Use of polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex E-PTFE Soft Tissue Patch) for suspension of former facial paralysis and as reconstructive tissue].

The insertion of autogenous fascia lata to suspend the paralyzed cheek and lips remains one of the most widely practiced procedures in correction of long term paralysis of the lower facial muscles. For 34 months we used thin layers (1 mm) of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE Gore-Tex Soft Tissue Patch) to replace autogenous fascia lata, in 20 patients, with satisfactory results. 13 patients were treated by classical techniques of insertion-suspensions of the paralyzed side with a perioral loop and slings of PTFE suspended to the zygomatic arch and the infraorbital rim, by way of nasolabial angle or rhytidectomy incisions. In 7 patients, an eyelid suspension was performed with PTFE by Arion's technique, but by replacing the classical silicon thread by E-PTFE and transposing the medial part of the temporalis muscle on the external canthus, and fixing the lateral end of the sling to the muscle. This technique assures a good corneal coverage with healing of the previous ulceration and allows a voluntary occlusion of the eyelids. The PTFE soft tissue is notably successful as an implant. This biocompatible material shows excellent tissue tolerance, the porous microstructure encouraging tissue attachment and infiltration. E-PTFE holds its shape, resists to infection, and permits a notably reduction of the hospitalization because it avoids a second surgical site. We have experience of the material as a reconstructive substance in 6 cases of either bone or subcutaneous deficits, where no other satisfactory solution was available. Is these cases our follow-up is 18 months.