The construction of Porcine dermal collagen is very similar to that of human tissue and because Permacol™ in sheet form is not a reconstructed form of collagen, its 3-D matrix is maintained.

A precisely controlled degree of cross-linking is introduced into the structure, making it resistant to collagenase enzymes responsible for the breakdown and reabsorbion of implanted collagen. This unique feature enables surgeons to complete operations and procedures involving tissue reconstruction, re-contouring and repair, with permanent results.

As the finished biomaterial is rendered acellular, it contains no material capable of provoking an immunogenic reaction which is a very important feature in a product designed for implantation into human tissue. Permacol™ surgical implant is able to support host cell infiltration and revascularisation and within a few months becomes an integral part of the body.

Permacol differs from cheaper synthetic meshes in that it can be used in instances where they can not be used for example against the bowel. Should infection occur it can be treated while Permacol is in place and need not be removed as would other implants or meshes.

 3-D matrix is maintained.

Permacol is human cell compatible.

Cell dividing on the surface of Permacol sheet.

Multiple cells dividing on the surface of Permacol sheet.

Permacol™ permanent surgical implant is presented in the form of a flat, off white sheet of acellular porcine collagen. Tough but flexible its constituent elastin fibres are presented moist in sterile saline.

Permacol™ is sterilised by gamma irradiation and comes ready to use in double vacuum packed aluminium foil/polyethylene sachets which are impermeable to oxygen.

  A flat sheet of Permacol that can be cut with a scissors or be sutured.

 Permacol is also available as an injectable urethral bulking agent. It is a 60%(w/v) suspension in saline of cryogenically milled Permacol with a defined particle size. It has been demonstrated that it retains its structure and form whilst being integrated into host tissue. Evidence suggests it has a similar safety profile to the proven sheet form of Permacol™, with no local tissue reactions or allergenicity.

Being a natural product, it has none of the long-term safety concerns surrounding synthetic bulking agents and because it is porcine derived, it has advantages over other animal based injectable products i.e. no skin test required, no prior disease transmission.

The product is supplied sterile in a 2.5ml vial which is used in conjunction with a syringe and a 19 gauge (or equivalent) needle.