Regenerative Surgery for the Definitive Repair of a Vasculitic Nonhealing Ulcer Using Platelet-derived Growth Factors and Noncultured Autologous Cell Suspension

Summary:

Vasculitic ulcers are caused by numerous disorders and may be chronic if not well treated. Various modalities of treatment, both medical and surgical, are available. We describe the case of a 63-year-old patient with a vasculitic ulcer treated with platelet-derived growth factors and noncultured autologous cell suspension collected by an innovative single-use device (ReCell).

Equine pericardium as a biological covering for the treatment of diabetic foot wounds: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot wounds remain a significant health-care issue. Healing these wounds in a timely manner is of paramount importance because the duration of ulceration correlates with increased rates of infection and amputation, costing billions of dollars yearly. Collagen-based matrices have been used as wound covers and have been shown to improve and expedite healing. We present our experience with equine pericardium biomatrix for the treatment of neuropathic foot wounds.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with 37 diabetic foot wounds were evaluated at two institutions prospectively. All of the wounds were debrided, and equine pericardium biomatrix was applied. Secondary dressings were changed every 48 to 72 hours until healed or for 12 weeks after application. Healing rate at 12 weeks, time to wound closure, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-two men and 12 women (mean age, 56.9 years) were treated and evaluated. Mean and median wound sizes at initial treatment were 715.8 and 440 mm(2), respectively. The overall wound healing rate by 12 weeks was 75.7% (n =28). Mean and median times to wound closure were 7.2 and 7.0 weeks, respectively. No device or procedure-related complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of equine pericardium as a temporary biological scaffold is safe and effective for the treatment of chronic neuropathic foot wounds.

Regenerative materials that facilitate wound healing

Wounds and damaged tissue become problematic when the tissue repair process does not proceed in a normal manner. Standard treatment of wounds entails topical dressings and devices in conjunction with good wound care practices. Good practices adequately support healing in most patients. Difficult, chronic, or recalcitrant wounds may require the use of more advanced technologies. Wounds that are full thickness or present with the absence of a matrix, may particularly benefit from regenerative materials. This article focuses on the use of cellular and acellular materials as well as chemical constructs to support granulation, tissue repair, and wound closure.