W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Carl W Bolton

William Carl Bruchman

James R Bain

Stanislaw L Zukowski

Jeanne B Ambruster

Todd V Scantlebury

Robert R Oden

Stephen E Campbell

La Thaggar Green, Iii

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.degree. or arranged in a loose braid about the prosthesis axis for improved load distribution during bending of the prosthesis.

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.degree. or arranged in a loose braid about the prothesis axis for improved load distribution during bending of the prosthesis.

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

An orthopedic drill guide device is described, its intended use being to locate and guide the drilling of holes in bone for the purpose of implanting tissue repair devices.

Orthopedic drill guide device

A dental implant device. A dental implant device having: (a) a root structure made of a biocompatible, mechanically suitable prosthetic material; (b) a cervical segment projecting above the root structure, made of a biocompatible, nonporous material and having smooth surfaces and together with the root structure forming a member; and (c) a gingival interface made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene having a porous structure for the ingrowth of connective tissue, located adjacent to the juncture of the root structure and the cervical segment attached to the member and forming a border around the apical end of the cervical segment. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene provides for an interlocking between the gingival tissue and the pergingival portion of the dental implant preventing bacterial penetration and infection where the implant extends into the oral cavity.

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Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America

Carl W Bolton