Abstract

A case of chronic sternal sinus is described in which exploration revealed a loose patch of Teflon felt which had been used three years earlier in reconstructing the outflow tract of the right ventricle in a case of congenital pulmonary stenosis. Teflon, a synthetic polymer of low biological reactivity, while being suitable in its solid sheet form for use in plastic reconstructive surgery, is not ideally suited to cardiovascular work. The properties of such an ideal material are defined. The low reactivity and porosity of Teflon, by reducing fibroblastic invasion, lessens the likelihood of the material being incorporated by host tissues. From experimental and clinical evidence we no longer regard Teflon felt as a suitable prosthetic material for use in intracardiac or vascular work or in reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract.