Epi-Guide^®

Epi-Guide^® is a uniquely structured resorbable synthetic membrane. It is particularly suited for guided tissue regeneration in periodontology (Guided Tissue Regeneration - GTR). Epi-Guide^® is also successfully used for Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR).

Material

Epi-Guide^® consists of a bioresorbable polymer synthesized from D-, D-L-, L-polylactic acid. The polymer is degraded to carbon dioxide and water. Epi-Guide^® is hydrophilic and features a patented multilayer architecture of different pore cavities. Its three-dimensional density gradient is designed to attract and stabilize fi broblasts and epithelial cells. Acting as a space maker, it promotes the growth of bone and periodontal supporting tissue.

Epi-Guide^® organizes fi broblasts and epithelial cells in such a way as to block epithelial migration during the later stages of healing. The barrier function persists for more than six weeks. Bioresorption is completed within six to twelve months.

Safety

The safety of polylactic acid was documented in numerous toxicologic and in-vitro and in-vivo biocompatibility studies both in several animal species and in humans.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is immunologically inactive. Thanks to their biological and mechanical properties, PLA polymers have been used in widely varying therapeutic settings for years and were shown to be biocompatible, biologically resorbable and non-toxic. Their slow biological resorption makes a second procedure unnecessary. Their compatibility with both hard and soft tissue is well established in many applications.

Product benefi ts and strengths

• no second surgery
• unique pore structure
• Uneventful healing and resorption

Clinical procedure

The defect (e.g. furcation defect) is covered 2 - 3 mm beyond its margins with Epi-Guide^® mesially, distally and apically, but not coronally. Its embossed surface should face the soft tissue.

Epi-Guide^® is soaked with blood from the defect or venous blood prior to final placement. This makes it both sticky and flexible and ensures secure placement. It adapts well to the defect.

Although generally not necessary, suture stabilization and the choice of the suture are left to the surgeon‘s discretion.

The membrane can be trimmed and adapted as needed.

Its size of 18 x 30 mm is suffi cient for several defects in one patient. As it is resorbable, Epi-Guide^® also is an option for larger defects. This spares both the patient and the surgeon a second intervention.