Biocompatibility testing of new polymers in a moving implant bed

Total reconstruction of the auricle requires a skilful surgical technique a nd an appropriate material for the shape-supporting frame. Up to now, there is no such material apart from autologous rib cartilage. The combination o f chronic microtraumatisation of adjacent tissue caused by the mobility of an implant bed such as the auricle and the foreign-body reaction to current ly available artificial polymers frequently results in extrusion. In our an imal model (rats), polymers of different elasticity were implanted in a mov ing implant bed to analyse differences in foreign-body reaction related to implant elasticity. The results were significantly better for a rather stif f control material (porous polyethylene), A contributing factor may be bett er fixation of the implant material by tissue ingrowth into its micropores. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.