Abstract: Biologic extracellular matrix (ECM)-based wound dressings offer promise in the treatment of chronic wounds. A variety of animal and human tissue derived dressings are currently available. These products are processed and/or sterilized by a range of chemical and mechanical processes, which will impact the final quality of the matrices—ultimately affecting the overall wound healing process. A novel method is described to prepare a sterile and biocompatible biological wound dressing. The advantages and the clinical implications of this wound dressing preparation are also discussed.

Abstract: Chronic wounds represent a state where healing has stagnated. Venous, diabetic, and pressure ulcers are typically difficult to heal and are at high risk of becoming chronic. In an attempt to restart the healing of chronic wounds, many biologically important molecules, such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors have been used to treat these wounds with varying degrees of success. Until recently, the idea of replacing the failing extracellular matrix (ECM) with an intact and biologically complex substitute was unknown. Small Intestinal Submucosa Wound Matrix (SISWM) is both a biologically complex and intact ECM, and an effective therapy for treating chronic wounds. A “drop in” replacement for the ECM of difficult to heal or chronic wounds helps to stimulate tissue ingrowth, deposition of new matrix, and rapid epithelialization—potentially leading to improved quality of life for patients.

Abstract: The restoration of structure, function, and physiology to damaged or missing tissue through the use of a regenerative tissue matrix (RTM) leads to regenerative healing rather than reparative scarring. While many processes exist to transform biologic materials into an extracellular matrix (ECM), only those that maintain the required structural and biochemical properties necessary to capture the intrinsic regenerative abilities of the body are suitable to produce an RTM. Histological examination using differential staining with hematoxylin and eosin stain or Verhoeff von Geisen stain of human biopsies of RTM obtained from 2 different abdominal surgery patients taken at 8- and 12 months were consistent with RTM remodeling into fascia-like tissue. A synopsis of recent studies on the use of the RTM GraftJacket® (Wright Medical Technologies, Memphis, Tenn) in successful closure of diabetic foot wounds is presented. Collectively, these reports indicate that LifeCell produced ECMs ex

Abstract: Background. Between 1996 and 2004, 21 patients at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVA) underwent bilateral pectoralis flap reconstruction for treatment of post sternotomy sternal wound infection. Methods. Data from the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Medical Center were used to create a cohort group of 29 patients similar to the BVA group with respect to cardiac procedure, reconstruction type, demographics, and preoperative risk factors, such as diabetes, renal function, and nutritional status. The same surgeons performed the cardiac and reconstructive procedures at both institutions. Results. Numerical comparison shows higher mortality in the BVA group (19.0% versus 6.9% at UAB, P = 0.22). It was also noted that the BVA group had a longer post-cardiac operation length of stay ([LOS], 21.8 versus 8.9 days, P = 0.03) and a longer post-reconstruction LOS (17.2 versus 9.5 days, P = 0.01). There were 3 patients in the BVA group who died of sepsis, while the