EXPANDED POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE STRIP (E PTFE) IN FRONTALIS SUSPENSION SURGERY

Background The Frontalis Suspension Technique is indicated in cases wi th minimal or no levator function. At the beginning sutures were used as sling material and after further modifications suture material was replaced by autologous or homologous fascia lata. In the last pears eP TFE has proved to be a very suitable sling material. Patients and meth ods Since ePTFE is very biocompatible, it was used for this modified f rontalis suspension technique. The anterior tarsal surface is exposed and a small tunnel is created between the skin incision and the second incision superior to the brow. An 0,3 mm thin ePTFE strip is induced into the tunnel and connects the upper lid with the frontalis muscle. The ePTFE Soft Tissue Patch must be exactly adapted to the tarsus and has to be deeply sutured to the frontalis muscle below the brow incisi on. Since 1991 17 modified frontalis suspension procedures have been p erformed on 14 patients. Results The functional and cosmetic result we re good in nearly all patients. No implant had to be removed during th e follow up period. Discussion The new technique of frontalis suspensi on using a ePTFE strip guarantees a regular upper lid lifting by the a xial and direct connection of the anterior tarsal surface with the fro ntalis muscle.