Human Placental Connective Tissue Matrix in the Treatment of Complex Wounds
A Case Series
Joseph A. Racanelli DO, Christopher M. Lenivy MS-IV
Introduction
Amniotic membrane-derived products have been used in the treatment of burns for over 100 years. More recently, their use in the management of complex chronic wounds has exploded. These products form a scaffolding of attachment proteins with a variety of growth factors that enhance endogenous cellular entrapment and proliferation.
In this case series, we evaluated the use of a graft comprised of a particularized pad of Human Placental Connective Tissue Matrix
(HPCTM*) in the treatment of notoriously complex wounds. This graft was used as an adjuvant to aggressive surgical debridement with negative-pressure therapy (when necessary).
Methods
This case series evaluated the use of HPCTM* in 3 patients with complex wound types requiring inpatient care including: A chronic open wound of the leg, a dorsal foot burn, and a Fournier gangrene. The wounds were first aggressively debrided and then approximately 6 cm2 of HPCTM* was applied per 10 cm2 of wound surface area. Foam dressing with negative pressure therapy was subsequently applied for 3-4 days. This application regimen was repeated until the formation of granulation tissue was visible. A meshed autologous split thickness graft was then applied (if needed) over the HPCTM* and the wound was left to complete the healing process.
Conclusions
All patients demonstrated complete healing and the use of HPCTM* increased granulation tissue deposition and expedited healing time as compared to experience using the same procedure without the use of HPCTM*. The use of the HPCTM* as a particularized pad in conjunction with negative pressure therapy and split thickness grafting embedded the HPCTM* into the wound allowing for quicker incorporation and healing.
Discussion
The use of HPCTM* in conjunction with aggressive sharp debridement, negative pressure therapy, and split-thickness skin grafting (as necessary) appears to hasten the healing time of notoriously difficult to manage wounds. HPCTM* appears to improve the abundance and quality of granulation tissue in the wound bed, thus leading to faster healing times.