Surgisis AFP Plug: Technology

What is the Surgisis AFP plug made of?
The Surgisis AFP plug is made from a complex collagen (protein) scaffold obtained from pigs—which have a collagen structure almost identical to that of human tissue.

How is the Surgisis AFP plug made?
Several steps in the manufacturing of the Surgisis AFP plug ensure its safety as an implant. All Surgisis material undergoes thorough cleaning and disinfection using certified medical device manufacturing procedures. A patented process removes living cells to help ensure that no transmittable diseases are present in the tissue; special testing confirms the manufacturing process inactivates any viruses.

NOTE: Since the Surgisis AFP plug is derived from a porcine source, it should not be used for patients with a known sensitivity to porcine material.

How does the Surgisis AFP plug facilitate closure of the fistula?
Porcine collagen is so similar to human collagen, the plug, once implanted, incorporates naturally over time into your own tissue.

How does it work?
When the Surgisis AFP plug is implanted, your cells, tissues and blood vessels readily move into the plug. When viewed through a microscope, the implanted Surgisis material resembles a mat of fibers, with your own living cells and tissue growing into it. This tissue ingrowth allows your body’s immune system to protect the plug from potential infection.

More importantly, the plug provides sufficient mechanical strength for tissue support while acting as a scaffold for rapid, guided tissue incorporation. Gradually, the Surgisis scaffold is replaced and rebuilt with your own tissue for a long-lasting effect. This process is called “tissue remodeling.”