GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard Reduces Vascular Injury Risk Following Anterior Vertebral Surgery

Flagstaff, AZ - W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced recently the availability of GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard, the first non-biological membrane indicated as a cover for vessels following anterior vertebral surgery. This advanced biomaterial reduces the risk of potential vascular injury by providing a permanent and visible plane of dissection around the vasculature to facilitate anterior revision surgery.

GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard enables vasculature management in patients having undergone anterior spinal surgery for degenerative disc disease, including artificial disc replacement (ADR). Scarring around the aorta, vena cava and iliac vessels complicates revising, repositioning or removing a disc prosthesis.

"It is well known that anterior approaches to the spine are associated with some risk of vascular injury, particularly among patients having undergone previous anterior spinal surgery," said Mike Schmieder, Gore product specialist. "GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard provides a vascular tissue-friendly interface giving surgeons, and their patients, greater confidence and peace of mind during anterior revision procedures."

GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard is an ideal biomaterial for intimate vessel contact and protection. Soft and conformable with excellent handling characteristics, the tight microstructured membrane is inserted between the prosthesis and the vessels during the primary surgery. In a revision surgery, the vessels can be identified, dissected from the device and mobilized.

GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard has a three-layer construction with two outer layers consisting of a tight expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) microstructure preventing penetration by fibroblasts, and thus minimizing vascular tissue attachment to the device, allowing safer anterior revision. GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard is also easy to use—an elastomeric inner layer minimizes impingement and provides the stiffness needed for accurate placement. The material may be trimmed and tailored without fraying.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the GORE PRECLUDE Vessel Guard indication for vessel protection in August 2006.

SOURCE: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.