2. Introduction
• Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Franklin Epstein
serves as the chief of the Division of Neurosurgery at the
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio.
A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and
member of the American Association of Neurological
Surgeons, Dr. Franklin Epstein actively educates himself
on developments in his field.
In May 2015, researchers announced the development of
a new artificial compound to repair the dural membrane
after surgery. Also known as the dura mater, this
membrane functions as the outer layer of the meninges
that protect the brain.
3. Dura Repair
• Because it almost completely surrounds the brain tissue,
neurosurgeons often must cut into it to perform a
procedure.
Traditionally, surgeons have repaired such cuts with a
dural graft made of either synthetic material or bovine
collagen. This material helps to guard the brain tissue
and provide a seal against water and potential sources of
infection. The new biosynthesized compound,
SYNTHECEL Dura Repair, has proven highly effective at
serving the same function. In tests performed six months
after surgery, SYNTHECEL Dura Repair seals returned a
zero-leak rate and complete absence of adhesions.
