Q: What is the surgical procedure for VeraFil placement?
Q: How can I be assured that the VeraFil implant will not burst or leak?
Q: Can I use injectable dermal fillers in the same area as VeraFil?
Q: Can I use laser or other types of energy delivery around VeraFil?
Q: Can I adjust the volume later, after the implantation procedure?
Q: I have had bad experiences with implants made of ePTFE. How is VeraFil different?
Q: Are there different sizes available for VeraFil?
Q: How can I order VeraFil?
Q: Is it reversible?
Q: What type of anesthesia is required?

Q: What is the surgical procedure for VeraFil placement?
A: A small incision, approximately 3-4 mm, is made at each end of the tissue bed into which the implant will be placed. Using the incisions as an entry point, a spreading dissection is created along the length intended tissue plane. A cannula (introducer) is then placed in the pocket. The implant is introduced and drawn through the sheath using the attached passing needle. After removing the sheath and leaving the implant in place, the attached sutures may be used to optimize positioning. Saline is injected through the implant fill tube until desired fill volume is reached. The fill tube is then removed as the valve self-seals. Trim the sutures trimmed, leaving the implant in place. The incisions are closed using standard procedure. Pre-procedure antibiotics may be used, and continued afterwards, as per standard practice.

Q: How can I be assured that the VeraFil implant will not burst or leak?
A: The VeraFil implant design has undergone extensive and rigorous mechanical testing. Device over-inflation, cyclic fatigue, dynamic impact, and tensile strength tests are conducted to assure device integrity.

Q: Can I use injectable dermal fillers in the same area as VeraFil?
A: While VeraFil can tolerate significant blunt forces without rupturing, it will leak if pierced directly with a needle. Physicians have reported using injectable dermal fillers in the general region in which VeraFil has been implanted, but sufficiently far from the implant so as not to damage the thin balloon.

Q: Can I use laser or other types of energy delivery around VeraFil?
A: No testing has been performed, and therefore use of energy-based treatments in the region around VeraFil cannot be recommended.

Q: Can I adjust the volume later, after the implantation procedure?
A: No, the VeraFil implant volume may only be adjusted during the implant procedure.  Once the fill tube has been removed, no further volume adjustments can be made.

Q: I have had bad experiences with implants made of ePTFE. How is VeraFil different?
A: Unlike implants that are made with solid ePTFE constructed as strips or tubes, VeraFil is a thin-walled, saline-filled, silicone shell coated with a layer of porous ePTFE.  Because the ePTFE layer is so thin (less than 0.05mm) the tissue in-growth that occurs is limited to just this thin layer. This in-growth is adequate to anchor the implant, but without the exuberant fibrosis that can make solid ePTFE implants stiff and non-compliant. Furthermore, the slip plane between the silicone shell and the ePTFE coating means that VeraFil can move with the tissue, minimizing excessive fibrosis that could result from micro-motion.

Q: Are there different sizes available for VeraFil?
A: The VeraFil implant is available in a variety of lengths, widths and curvatures.

Q: How can I order VeraFil?
A: You may order VeraFil by contacting Customer Service at 650-287-2880, or by emailing customerservice@everamedical.com.

Q: Is it reversible?
A: If the patient is not satisfied with the outcome, VeraFil can be removed.

Q: What type of anesthesia is required?
A: This implant may be placed using direct local anesthesia or a regional nerve block.