W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

James R Bain

William Carl Bruchman

Carl W Bolton

Stanley L Mish

Brian H Kram

Michael J Muehlbauer

The present invention is directed to materials that assist respiration of living cells contained in cell-containing systems. The materials form air-filled conduits or channels through which gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can readily exchange by diffusional means between regions of different gas partial pressures. When the present invention is placed within an aqueous environment, such as cell-culture media or host tissue, the invention provides aid to cellular respiration in cell-containing systems.

Respiratory aids

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.

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Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America

James R Bain