Frequently Asked Questions about GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial


Can a patient with an ePTFE patch safely undergo radiation therapy?

Yes. The amount of radiation needed to degrade ePTFE is substantially above the patient survival dose.

Has there ever been an allergic reaction to Gore ePTFE patch products?

No. Since ePTFE is one of the most inert and biocompatible polymers available, there has never been a confirmed allergic reaction to a Gore ePTFE product.

How will ePTFE show up on CT, MRI, x-rays or Ultrasound?

Because of the density differences between ePTFE and the rest of the body, high resolution imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI, will reveal ePTFE, both immediately following implant and after ingrowth at longer time frames. X-rays offer a fairly low resolution level and will not show an ePTFE product. Ultrasound can be impeded in the immediate post-operative period until cells and fluids fill the internodal spaces of ePTFE. Once this has occurred, the sound waves can pass through the material and allow imaging below the patch with ultrasound. Prior to this, it may be impossible to image through the product.

Is it possible to re-operate through a Gore patch product?

Yes. Because Gore patch products mimic the natural healing of tissue, normal scar formation develops. As a result, surgeons have reported numerous successful re-operations through implanted Gore patch products, finding the healed material easy to identify and dissect.

Should a hernia be repaired?

A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself. In fact, they usually grow or get worse over time. Hernias can become a serious health threat. There is a risk of developing a problem with incarceration or strangulation of the bowel, which is a surgical emergency.

What are the differences between the two sides of GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial?

The GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial is a dual-surface mesh comprised of a non-absorbable patch constructed entirely of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) material. The smooth visceral surface is designed to minimize tissue attachment. The textured parietal GORE CORDUROY Surface is designed to encourage host tissue incorporation. The GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial is designed for intraperitoneal placement.

Correct surface orientation is extremely important for GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial. Incorrect parietal (textured surface) placement with unnecessary contact with internal organs may result in adhesions, erosion, extrusion, fistula, infection, irritation or inflammation, pain, and additional intervention including surgery. Clinical data on abdominal surgery, with or without surgical mesh, has shown that adhesion formation may occur and may result in complications including pain, bowel obstruction, and additional intervention including surgery.

What is a hernia?

A hernia is defined as a protrusion or projection of an organ or a part of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. An abdominal wall or ventral hernia often arises in the muscles of the abdomen wall where a previous incision was made. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called inguinal because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin.

What is the difference between GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial and GORE® DUALMESH® PLUS Biomaterial?

GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial and GORE® DUALMESH® PLUS Biomaterial differ only in the antimicrobial treatment. The GORE® DUALMESH® PLUS Biomaterial is impregnated with silver carbonate and chlorhexidine diacetate. These two agents act synergistically to inhibit bacterial colonization of the device for up to 14 days after implantation.

Why use GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial in a hernia repair?

The clinical reputation of GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial products for the repair and reconstruction of ventral hernias is well known, exceeding 450 peer reviewed scientific articles published since 1996 and over 20 years of clinical history.

When a strong, durable repair is needed, GORE® DUALMESH® Biomaterial has the proven performance.1–3

For complete information regarding indications for use, contraindications, precautions and instructions see the published Instructions for Use (IFU) found on the eifu.goremedical.com website.

    LeBlanc KA. Incisional hernia repair: laparoscopic techniques. World Journal of Surgery 2005;29(8):1073-1079.  Fabian TC, Croce MA, Pritchard FE, et al. Planned ventral hernia. Staged management for acute abdominal wall defects. Annals of Surgery 1994;219(6):643-650.  Leber GE, Garb JL, Alexander AI, Reed WP. Long-term complications associated with prosthetic repair of incisional hernias. Archives of Surgery 1998;133(4):378-382

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