FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 30, 2016) – W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore) today announced the launch of GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, a unique hybrid device for hernia repair, at the 17th Annual Hernia Repair Conference held March 30-April 2, 2016 in Washington, D.C. During the conference, Gore will kick off the Technology Experiential Center (TEC) Tour, a new kind of interactive experience where participants will learn about the science behind the new material using hands-on stations.

Hernia repair has traditionally required a surgeon to choose between a permanent material for a durable, single-stage repair, or absorbable, non-permanent materials where there are factors that may require a different approach. GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, which received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration in December 2015, is comprised of three materials, including:

  • GORE® BIO-A® Web, a tissue-building scaffold providing rapid vascularization and ingrowth for complex repairs
  • A macroporous knit of dense, monofilament polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers that provides strength and may reduce the risk of harboring bacteria due to the solid fiber;
  • Non-porous PGA/TMC* film that minimizes tissue attachment to the material at the visceral side.

The Gore TEC Tour, a new addition to the AHS annual meeting, will showcase the new biomaterial through the use of interactive stations. Standing out from previous exhibits, the TEC Tour will allow attendees in interactive groups to have discussions and engage with high-level scientific data on the product.

“The advancements in technology over the past few years have provided physicians with an overwhelming number of options when it comes to hernia repair,” said Ron Anderson, General Surgical Products Business Unit Leader. “With the TEC Tour, we are able to discuss the science of the material and pre-clinical testing which offers a deeper level of understanding to help them find the best fit for their practice and patients.”

Gore is actively participating in a Clinical Quality Improvement (CQI) project to procure real world feedback from surgeons and patients about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial. The project is following a diverse collection of metrics including demographics, pre-, peri-, and post-operative health details, short- and long-term follow up, and costs. The CQI paradigm empowers surgeons and hospitals to efficiently respond to the data findings in real time to improve patient care. For more information on GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, please visit www.goremedical.com/synecor.

*Polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate

About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

At Gore Medical, we have provided creative therapeutic solutions to complex medical problems for 40 years. During that time, 40 million innovative Gore Medical Devices have been implanted, saving and improving the quality of lives worldwide. Our extensive family of products includes vascular grafts, endovascular and interventional devices, surgical meshes for hernia and soft tissue reconstruction, staple line reinforcement materials, and sutures for use in vascular, cardiac, and general surgery. We are one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. For more information, visit www.goremedical.com.

GORE®, BIO-A®, SYNECOR and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates.

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Chempetitive Group for W. L. Gore & Associates
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