The placenta is a rich source for proteins such as albumin,¹ growth factors,^2,3 and extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen⁴ and stem cells.⁵ This article describes the methods for the isolation of the whole placenta-derived extracellular matrix (pECM) tissue from the human placenta. The composition of the isolated matrix can be modified with slight changes in isolation methods.As the pECM is insoluble in water, this pECM material can be molded into water and cell culture media stable sheets and 3-dimensional (3-D) structures.

After 1960, apart from conventional closed dressing techniques, moist wound dressings and negative pressure dressings are the most commonly discussed in the literature.

The author designed the Limited Access Dressing (LAD) in an attempt to combine the advantages of both moist wound healing and negative pressure dressings.The design has notable advantages, while avoiding some major disadvantages such as an inaccessible, offensive smelling wound environment, and relatively high treatment costs.

Dear Editor:

Medela Healthcare Launches Wound Therapy Rental Program

Medela Healthcare Inc (McHenry, Ill) recently launched its Medela ValuFlex^™ Institutional Rental Program.