Volume 19 - Issue 10 - October, 2007
Primary Wound Closure
- 10/18/2007
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Dear Readers:
Primary wound closure is an important step in the management of clean open wounds. Sutures or staples are 2 leading options for primary intention. Recent evidence is adding to our understanding of the risks and benefits of these 2 wound closure modalities, but we still have much to learn in order to choose the best material and closure techniques for specific wounds. This Evidence Corner reviews 2 studies on very different wounds. The results suggest that the choice of primary intention wound closure may depend on a wide array of variables in cl
Limitations of Daily Living Activities in Patients With Venous Stasis Ulcers Undergoing Compression Bandaging: Problems With
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Disclosure: Dr. Fife is Chief Medical Officer for Intellicure Inc. David Walker is President and CEO of Intellicure Inc.
Ulcers caused by chronic venous insufficiency constitute 70%–90% of all lower extremity ulcers.1,2 For more than 2 decades, compression bandaging has remained the gold standard of therapy,3 although only 50%–60% of venous stasis ulcers (VSUs) typically heal within 6 months and recurrence is common.4,5 High-technology products hold promise in accelerating ulcer healing for some patients,
Extracellular Wound Matrix (OASIS®): Exploring the Contraindications. Results of Its Use in 32 Consecutive Outpatient Clinic
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Wound healing occurs in 3 overlapping phases: the inflammatory phase (“lag phase”), the proliferative phase (tissue formation), and the remodeling phase. In the proliferative phase, aside from angiogenesis, granulation tissue is formed and the wound is re-epithelialized.1 In the authors’ wound clinic, re-epithelialization after successful debridement and granulation is sometimes the most difficult part of the wound closureprocess. Sometimes the wounds are very large and are preferably closed by split-thickness skin grafting. However, most of the clinic patients
Open Window Thoracostomy: A New Therapeutic Option Using Topical Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
- 10/18/2007
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Thoracic empyema (TE) remains a surgical challenge and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. In more than 50% of patients, TE is of parapneumonic origin.1–4 After pneumonectomy TE occurs in 2%–15% of patients.1,2,4 Although more uncommon, it may complicate any kind of pulmonary resection.1,5 Mortality rates of up to 70% have been reported.1,3 The presence of a bronchopleural fistula increases the morbidity and mortality of TE by providing a source of continuous contamination of the pleural space and by promoting aspir
Effect of Occlusion and Semi-occlusion on Experimental Skin Wound Healing: A Reevaluation
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More than 1000 different occlusive dressings are commercially available.1 Occlusion may enhance wound healing primarily through the prevention of wound desiccation.As a result, epidermal necrosis and eschar formation do not occur, and wounds reepithelialize more rapidly.2–7 However, the benefits of occlusive wound dressings remain sub judice for some.8–15 Some animal studies indicate that fully occlusive dressings may suppress barrier recovery and reduce the epidermal proliferative response to an abnormal stratum corneum barrier.8–11
Tissue Engineering and Wound Healing: An Overview of the Past, Present, and Future
- 10/18/2007
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The term tissue engineering was introduced in 1987 during a meeting of the National Science Foundation. It is the application of principles and methods of engineering and life sciences toward the fundamental understanding of structure-function relationships in normal and pathological mammalian tissue, and the development of biological substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.1 Tissue engineering can be considered a multidisciplinary technology used to reach a universal goal—to grow and expand tissues in vitro from donor cells (grow-your-own).
October 2007
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AutoloGel™ Platelet Rich Plasma Receives Marketing Clearance
Cytomedix Inc (Rockville, Md) received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing clearance for its AutoloGel™ System. AutoloGel is currently the only autologous platelet gel therapy product with FDA clearance. Cytomedix is the first company in the US to complete a randomized, controlled, multi-center, double-blinded, clinical trial for a platelet rich plasma (PRP) gel system that aids in wound healing.
Visit http://www.cytomed
October 2007
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Medela Inc Earns Accreditation Status
Medela Inc (McHenry, Ill) was awarded accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care Inc (ACHC). ACHC, a private, nonprofit corporation that is certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards, was developed by home care and community-based providers to help companies improve business operations and quality of patient care. Medela chose to work with ACHC specifically because of its experience in developing the highest quality standards for suppliers of home health medical equipment.
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The Future of Wound Care Education in Mexico
- 10/18/2007
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Dear Readers,
Not often does one get to be a part of something very special. Recently, I was invited to be a part of the first national meeting of the Mexican Wound Care Society, the Association Mexicana para el Cuidado Integral y Cicatrización de Heridas (AMCICHAC). Dr. José Contreras Ruiz and his associates have been working diligently to establish a national wound care society in Mexico.With help from the Canadian Association for Wound Care, the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapists, and the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care in the United States,
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