Below is an FAQ for our Cytoflex microporous PTFE Membrane. Any additional questions? Please feel free to post a topic.
Before reading this FAQ, we recommend reading Microporous PTFE Membranes for Vertical Augmentation where we explain the 3 different types of PTFE membranes, and why the Cytoflex membrane is the optimal choice when it comes to PTFE membranes.
What is the difference between Cytoflex Tefguard ePTFE Membranes and High-Density PTFE Membranes?
Cytoflex Tefguard PTFE membranes are substantially similar to other PTFE membranes on the market. A key diffence though, is that Cytoflex Tefguard PTFE Membrane is made from a microporous expanded PTFE material. This means that it has been stretched on a microscopic level. This improves nutrient permeation across the membrane for healthy bone regeneration. Dense PTFE membranes do not allow nutrient permeation as well as microporous expanded PTFE membranes, like the Cytoflex Tefguard, do.
How is this membrane different from Gore-Tex® and Cytoplast TM membranes?
Micro porous Cytoflex® Tef-Guard® e-PTFE membranes were designed to improve upon experiences learned from the Gore-Tex® and Cytoplast TM 1membranes. Macro porous Gore-Tex® e-PTFE was the gold standard of barrier membranes for use under primary soft tissue coverage. The macro pores were designed for tissue ingrowths to stabilize tissue/barrier interface. However, membrane removal after bone regeneration is traumatic and primary closure is needed. The featureless Cytoplast TM membrane is a high density-PTFE (d-PTFE) membrane. d-PTFE, is manufactured specifically to eliminate expansion, and greatly reduce pores, resulting in a material with a submicron (0.2 μm) pore size. Because of this tiny pore size, bacterial infiltration into the site is eliminated with d-PTFE. d-PTFE was designed to block off soft tissue and bacteria ingrowths, allowing the barrier to be used in non-primary coverage conditions. The non-porous nature of the barrier limits nutrient permeation across the membrane. Furthermore, due to its surface, attachment to tissues with d-PTFE is weak, and thus removal of the d-PTFE membranes is a bit easier when compared to Gore-Tex® e-PTFE membranes. Cytoflex® Tef- Guard®’s is a microporous ePTFE membrane. The membrane was developed with proprietary micro pores that were designed to allow nutrient permeation and at the same time prevent penetration of soft tissue and bacteria across the membrane. The combination of nutrient diffusion and the micro porous texture enhances soft tissue attachment while preventing dehiscence occurrence. Furthermore, soft tissue in-growth is not significant enough with CytoFlex e-PTFE membranes, and so the material is easily retrieved. Finally, at the discretion of the practitioners, the Cytoflex® Tef- Guard®’s micro-ePTFE membranes have been used in primary coverage and non-primary coverage situation when soft tissue coverage is lacking. The membrane was designed to block off bacteria and thus exposure of the membrane does not result in infection and case failure. 1. Cytoplast TM is a registered trademark of OsteoGenics Biomedical, Inc. What about primary soft tissue coverage of the membrane?
Cytoflex® Tef-Guard® membranes were designed to serve as a barrier to contain the bone graft material and prevent soft tissue and bacteria in-growth. At the discretion of the practitioners, the barriers have been used in primary coverage and non-primary coverage situation when soft tissue coverage is lacking. The membrane was designed to block off bacteria and thus exposure of the membrane does not result in infection and case failure. How long can the membrane stay in place?
In general within three to four weeks the membrane will need to be removed. This will allow enough time for the osseous tissue to begin forming and to be able to resist soft tissue from invading the graft site. However, at the discretion of the clinician, primary closure and longer healing times may be considered, if desirable. How does one remove the membranes?
Under primary coverage condition, Cytoflex® Tef-Guard® membrane may be easily removed by creating a small incision in its proximity. With forceps, firmly grasp a border of the material and remove it from the tissue. Local anesthesia is normally used for this procedure. In non-primary coverage situation, the membrane may be removed by grasping with forceps and removing it with a gentle tug. After membrane removal, re-epithelialization will occur within two to three weeks to complete the healing process. Final bone maturation will take place for six to twelve months from the time of implantation. This time frame should be considered in treatment planning cases involving heavy prosthetic loading of regenerated bone. What is the difference between the Smooth and Textured Cytoflex® Tef-Guard® barrier membranes? What are the benefits of each as opposed to the other?
Please note that we no longer offer the Smooth Cytoflex membrane. However, the explanation below is still relevant as it provides a good explanation of the benefits of the textured Cytoflex surface. Both Cytoflex® Tef-Guard® membranes, Textured and Smooth are composed of a proprietary micro-porous polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) thin film. It has a surface texture and porosity suitable for adhesion of host cells to the material while preventing passage and integration of bacteria within the interstices of the material. The supple membrane conforms easily to tissue contours, and yet offers sufficient stiffness to maintain a space over the bony defect. The micro porous surface is designed to improve flap attachment but prevent tissue and bacteria ingrowth. The Textured Cytoflex membranes provide a visible macro-texture similar to the configuration of strawberry fields as opposed to the conventional pot-hole design of other barrier products. Due to this macro-texture, the handling property of the textured membrane is excellent. In addition, some clinicians find that the textured membrane is more durable and that it is easier to trim. The properties of the textured membrane allow it to withstand the pressures tucking the membrane in below the gingiva. The texture was designed to further enhance soft tissue attachment and minimize dehiscence over the grafting site.
