PURPOSE:  Traditional wound management has consisted of debridement, infection control, and moisture management, however many chronic wounds do not heal despite addressing these issues.  The key ratio of MMPs and their inhibitors TIMPs may determine whether a chronic wound progresses to healing.  Recent research has also shown the role that elastase, a key destructive enzyme secreted by neutrophils may have in producing chronicity.  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a novel native collagen MicroScaffold product* to heal chronic wounds that have not responded to other wound treatments.  The collagen product* is claimed to be biodegradable and this study also examined whether the dressing appeared to be consumed within the wound, which would indicate biodegradability.

METHODS:  Ten patients with chronic wounds of various etiologies, including venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, non-healing surgical and traumatic wounds were identified for this study.  A biweekly regime of treatment with the collagen dressing* as the primary dressing and secondary dressing determined by the Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse. The study was conducted for a period of 4 - 8 weeks.  Wound assessments and treatment evaluations were performed by the WOC Nurse.  Any adverse events will be monitored and documented.

OUTCOMES:  The study showed a very satisfactory response with the wounds either healing completely or responding positively to treatment.  No adverse events were reported.  The soft gel that formed immediately upon application was found to have been largely consumed during dressing changes, indicating biodegradability.  The reported MMP binding activity and the reported elastase binding ability of the collagen product*, plus the MicroScaffold structure possibly allow the dressing to elicit a positive healing response.  The biodegradable feature of this native collagen dressing* allowed for less aggressive cleansing of the wound bed during dressing changes.

* Puracol Plus.  Medline Industries, Inc.