Clinical application of a new bioabsorbable artificial dura mater.

OBJECT: In their pursuit of a better substitute for dura mater in neurosurgical procedures, the authors review their experience with GM972.

METHODS

A newly developed synthetic dural substitute composed of bioabsorbable polymers (GM972) was placed in 53 patients during neurosurgical procedures. The handling properties of the material, surgical wound features. and findings of hematological, computerized tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging examinations were evaluated. The average follow-up period was 35.5 months. The handling properties and biocompatibility of this new dural substitute were highly satisfactory, and no significant complication was observed. In patients who underwent a second surgery performed more than 18 months after the initial operation, this new dural substitute was found to have been replaced by autologous collagenous tissue. Because of its bioabsorbability, chronic foreign body reactions to this synthetic dural substitute were negligible.

CONCLUSIONS

In this report the authors support the effectiveness and safety of this bioabsorbable artificial dural substitute that provides a reduced risk of transmission of latent infection.