Smaller-Sized Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Conduits With a Fan-Shaped Valve and Bulging Sinuses for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction

An immobilized liquid interface prevents device associated bacterial infection in vivo

“…In this report, we demonstrate the effectiveness of SLIPS-modified biomedical implants to resist device-associated infection after bacterial challenge in vivo. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) was selected as a model material given its prevalent use in clinical care in the form of prosthetic hernia meshes [36-38], grafts for cardiovascular reconstruction [39, 40], and as alloplastic implants in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery [41-43], as well as its known susceptibility to infection [44, 45]. As a porous, fluorinated implant material, ePTFE is readily amenable to infusion with fluorinated lubricants, such as perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene (PFPH), and perfluorodecalin (PFD).…”

Medium-Term Outcomes After Implantation of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Valved Conduit

“…The leaflets are positioned in a nonlinear shape at the closing phase in the bicuspid configuration, but the leaflets face straight into each other at the closing phase in the tricuspid configuration. We believe that this physiologic valve anatomy in tricuspid configuration would have an advantage over bicuspid configuration in terms of valve function, especially when the leaflet becomes thicker over time [24].…”

“…Although we have not surgically replaced any ePTFE VC, a percutaneously implanted bioprosthetic valves would be an option, as we believe the ePTFE VC to be a perfect "landing zone." We did not consider smaller-sized ePTFE VC (less than 16 mm) for smaller children, but that could be an option because the ePTFE VC works well even with smaller diameter [24].…”

Late results of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with a bicuspid expanded polytetrafluoroethylene valved conduit

“…Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ). When the ePTFE membrane was used, significant calcification was not demonstrated in monocuspid, bicuspid, and tricuspid valved RVOT reconstruction …”