Treating wounds in patients with diabetes has become more complex than simply choosing what dressing to put over a wound. In recent years, Bioengineered Alternative Tissues (BATs) have revolutionized the art and science of healing wounds.
For purposes of defining terms, BATs are products that have been produced artificially or modified in some ways that alters the biology and its interaction with the wound. The goal is to create an optimal environment to stimulate healing. These tissues include allograft, xenografts and manufactured/engineered biologic products. The purpose of these tissues has been well established in the medical literature.
The majority of BAT manufacturers recommend the use of a dry �nonadherent dressing� to be placed directly over these fragile tissues. This dry primary dressing does little to balance the necessary moisture required to obtain 100% incorporation. Therefore, the ideal characteristics of the primary dressing for coverage over a BAT:
1. Nonadherent
2. Antimicrobial
3. Ability to absorb exudate
4.
Maintains moisture on the BAT and within the wound site
5.
Non-cytotoxic
6.
Cost-effective |
Of the myriad of different dressing options available that meet some of the criteria mentioned above,
the AmeriGel® Hydrogel Saturated Gauze Dressing is an excellent option that meets most if not all of the characteristics above.
The following case illustrates how utilizing a dressing with the above characteristics can be of benefit to heal wounds faster.
A 68-year-old diabetic female on dialysis presented with a chronic right heel ulcer (3.4 cm X 3.1 cm) of greater than 3 months duration. After thorough wound bed preparation over the
course of 2 weeks (Figure 2A), GammaGraft® along with AmeriGel® Hydrogel Saturated Gauze
Dressing was chosen to bring closure to the wound site (Figure 2B).
The patient’s dressing was changed at one week followed by daily application of AmeriGel® Hydrogel Saturated Gauze Dressing, using dry sterile gauze as a secondary dressing. After 5 weeks and 3 days, the patient achieved total healing
(Figure 2C).
Diabetic foot ulceration is a limb and life threatening condition that requires immediate attention and healing in a timely manner. This case shows complete incorporation and healing of a chronic wound utilizing AmeriGel® Hydrogel Saturated Gauze Dressing as the primary dressing. There was no desiccation throughout the entire healing process and additionally, no additional BAT applications were required, thereby making this technique more cost-effective.
| Tomorrow we will be sending you part 2 of this case study and then the conclusion, part 3, will be delivered to you Friday evening in this Special Three-Part edition of Residency Insight. |
| Be sure to see Dr. Jonathan Moore's lecture at the APMA meeting in Hawaii next week. A 50 patient case study by Dr. Moore will be finalized and presented within the next 90 days right here in |
