Proven Material

Constructed from Polyglycolic Acid:Trimethylene Carbonate (PGA:TMC), a medically proven biocompatible copolymer, GORE® SEAMGUARD® Reinforcement is composed of an intricate 3-dimensional matrix of open, highly interactive pores.

Feature	Benefit	Competitive Differentiation
Synthetic, 100% bioabsorbable material Comprised of 67% PGA:33% TMC	Consistent degradation process over six to seven months Minimal inflammatory response Provides strength during the critical healing period	Slower degrading polymers typically have a reduced inflammatory response compared to faster degrading polymers¹ NEOVEIL® Felt fully degrades within 15 weeks² Animal-derived buttressing typically has a higher short-term inflammatory response³
Uniform, thin material – average thickness of 0.4 mm (max of 0.5 mm)	Consistent, strong, yet thin – minimal staple interference	Animal-derived buttressing material is thicker with less space for tissue=more challenging staple formation
More than 50 published clinical papers	Long-term clinical experience	Check the data – other buttressing options have none or limited studies in humans

Uniform, thin material. By adding a consistent, strong yet thin 0.40 mm reinforcement to the staple line, GORE® SEAMGUARD® Reinforcement mechanically increases the strength of the resection line by evenly distributing the staple pressure exerted on the tissue over a wider surface of area.
Strength over time. Serving as an effective scaffold, the pores successfully guide the regeneration of favorable type I collagen. While providing added strength to the staple line during the critical healing process, this reinforcement is gradually and predictably absorbed, usually within six to seven months. The risk of a prolonged inflammatory response is eliminated.
Minimal inflammatory response. Compared to other buttressing materials, GORE® SEAMGUARD® Reinforcement has shown minimal tissue inflammatory response.

Uniform, Thin Material

By adding a consistent, strong yet thin 0.40 mm reinforcement to the staple line, GORE® SEAMGUARD® Reinforcement mechanically increases the strength of the resection line by evenly distributing the staple pressure exerted on the tissue over a wider surface of area.

Less Impact on Staple Formation = More Confidence

With GORE® SEAMGUARD® Bioabsorbable Staple Line Reinforcement:

Thinner material = more space for tissue
More space for tissue = better staple formation

proven-uniform-space600x238

Strength Over Time

Serving as an effective scaffold, the pores successfully guide the regeneration of favorable type I collagen. While providing added strength to the staple line during the critical healing process, this reinforcement is gradually and predictably absorbed, usually within six to seven months. The risk of a prolonged inflammatory response is eliminated.

Uniquely designed web of bioabsorbable polymers

67% PGA : 33% TMC
Same polymer as MAXON Suture
Highly interconnected pores
Degrades primarily by hydrolysis

Creates 1:1 replacement with Type I collagen

As the device is absorbed, it is replaced by native tissue.

Equaling strength over time

GORE^® SEAMGUARD^® Reinforcement provides strength during and beyond the critical wound healing time.

References

Gogolewski S. Resorbable polymers for internal fixation. Clinical Materials 1992;10(1-2):13-20.
Covidien. Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology. [Product Brochure]. New Haven, CT: Covidien; 2014. P140008-1.
Ponce J, Fullum TM, McCrea C, Eng M. Histopathological Assessment of Staple Line Reinforcement Materials in a Porcine Model. Flagstaff, AZ: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc; 2017. [Poster]. AV1250-EN2.