An improved, polymeric surgical membrane, which can be used in a variety
of surgical procedures, such as sutured and sutureless duraplasty
procedures. For sutureless applications, a textured, discontinuous, outer
polymer layer is provided which encourages rapid incorporation and
anchoring into surrounding tissue. In cooperation with the discontinuous
first layer, a second elastomeric layer provides elasticity and
resilience. A third barrier layer is provided to essentially eliminate
adhesions and irritation to surrounding tissue. In those applications
requiring anchoring sutures, the second elastomeric layer "self-seals"
against the sutures, essentially eliminating the leakage of blood,
cerebrospinal fluid, or other fluids. In addition, the composite
structure of the present invention has a high degree of suture retention
strength is polymeric with a high degree of biocompatibility, is thin and
very flexible.