| abstract |
A remodelable graft 1, preferably of extracellular matrix material, has at least one region 10 having a more collapsed matrix structure and at least one region 2 having a more open matrix structure. The collapsed region is less porous and may be lattice shaped, surrounding the regions of higher porosity. The more porous regions are more quickly colonised and resorbed by a patient's cells. Preferably, the matrix is porcine small intestine submucosa and may contain a bioactive agent such as basic fibroblast growth factor; it may be multilaminate. The graft material can be made into a urethral sling, where the collapsed portions form the centre of the sling and the more open portions form the arms of the sling. Alternatively, the graft may be used to repair a hernia. |