Innovative dressing option: Use of a Collagen Dermal Template with Extracellular Matrix in the Management of Lower Extremity Wounds

INTRODUCTION:  With the growing arsenal of advanced wound healing products, clinicians are challenged to select the best option for specific wound etiologies. Chronic wounds often present with high levels of a variety of matrix metalloproteinase’s (MMP’s).  In excess, these proteases degrade the viable structures, including the extracellular matrix.  Complications may cause delays in use of optimal wound therapies, and the resultant comorbidities may extend the time to heal.   The purpose of using of a collagen dressing with extracellular matrix (ECM) is to reduce the activity of MMPs and support the structure of the wound. 

METHOD:  Patients of an outpatient wound center with lower extremity wounds had failed to progress to closure over a period of months despite the utilization of a number of advanced topical treatment modalities.  Use of a Collagen Dermal Template with ECM was initiated.  Patients were followed closely to evaluate their progress toward healing.

OUTCOME:   Patients were monitored post-implementation of the Collagen Dermal Template with ECM for decrease in wound measurements, pain reduction, and progression to healing.   Reductions in pain, increase in granulation tissue, as well as reductions in wound measurements were noted in study participants.  Clinicians noted consistent progress toward wound closure with the use of this treatment.  

CONCLUSION:   Collagen Dermal Template with ECM is a valuable addition to the advanced wound product arsenal.  In this case series, the chronic wounds exhibiting delayed wound healing demonstrated advancement to wound closure while utilizing this treatment modality.  The use of this treatment option optimized the wound healing environment of lower leg wounds with various etiologies via a reduction in MMP activity and support for a normalized wound structure.   When considering the chronic wound environment, this modality may be considered as a first resort dressing for the progression toward healing of any chronic wound.