Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix requires no rehydration and is ready for use upon a two-minute soak. It may be used as an onlay or underlay. Please refer to the instructions below for preparing Strattice™ Tissue Matrix for surgical use.

On average, Strattice™ Tissue Matrix Pliable offers more stretch and is recommended for breast reconstruction applications, while Strattice™ Tissue Matrix Firm offers less stretch and is recommended for hernia applications. Strattice™ Tissue Matrix for Breast Plastic Surgery is specifically designed for breast augmentation revision procedures.

Please note: These instructions are designed to serve only as a general guideline. They are not intended to supersede institutional protocols or professional clinical judgment concerning patient care. Users should be familiar with surgical procedures and techniques involving surgical mesh before using Strattice™ Tissue Matrix.

Equipment required:

• One sterile basin per piece of Strattice™ Tissue Matrix
• Room temperature sterile saline solution or room temperature sterile lactated Ringer’s solution
• Sterile atraumatic forceps

Preparation instructions:

1. Open the Strattice™ Tissue Matrix carton and remove the foil package.
2. Peel open the outer foil package and remove the inner foil pouch using aseptic technique. The inner foil pouch is sterile and may be placed directly into the sterile field.
3. Open the inner pouch carefully and aseptically remove the device. Always use sterile gloves or forceps when handling Strattice™ Tissue Matrix.
4. Soak the device for a minimum of two minutes using a sterile basin and room temperature sterile lactated Ringer’s solution.
5. Store device in the room temperature saline solution until ready for implantation. Device can be stored in sterile solution for a maximum of four hours.

Implantation instructions:

1. Prepare the surgical site using standard techniques.
2. Strattice™ Tissue Matrix may be folded, trimmed or cut as required to fit the surgical site using aseptic technique, ensuring allowance for overlap.
3. Transfer Strattice™ Tissue Matrix to the surgical site using sterile gloves or forceps.
4. Suture Strattice™ Tissue Matrix into place.

Note: Tension and suture placement is application-dependent. For hernia repair applications, surgical experience with soft tissue implants indicates that suturing Strattice™ Tissue Matrix under tension with a minimum of 3cm-5cm underlay or as much as required to reach healthy adjacent tissues may produce improved outcomes. Use of permanent sutures is recommended.

5. Complete the standard surgical procedure.
6. Discard any unused portions of Strattice™ Tissue Matrix per institutional procedures.

Suturing Strattice™ Tissue Matrix

• Nonabsorbable 2-0 suture (e.g., Prolene) is recommended.
• Use either a running or interrupted stitch, according to preference.
• When used for hernia repair, Strattice™ Tissue Matrix Firm should be sutured under significant tension after complete rehydration. (On average, Strattice™ Tissue Matrix Firm offers less stretch and is recommended for hernia applications.)