The use of a 7 day nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial dressing over an engineered dermal tissue construct as a primary dressing in an immunocompromised patient with a non-healing lower extremity wound

Objective: To show decreased infection and increased healing in diabetic foot ulcers using a bio-engineered dermal tissue construct and a 7 day nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial dressing. Also to demonstrate the benefit of high silver concentration on newly placed fibroblast covering of a wound.

Outcomes:  15 diabetic patients treated with the bio-engineered dermal tissue construct and the 7 day nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial dressing on a weekly basis per protocol. The 7 day nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial dressing did not adhere to the skin substitute.  It appeared to not destroy or negatively interact with the bio-engineered dermal tissue construct.

Conclusions:   The 7 day nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial dressing was safely used over a bio-engineered dermal tissue construct on the patients. The wounds had less drainage, less inflammation and the patient experienced a decrease in pain.   It is hoped that studies of this type will allow for enhanced clinician education, patient safety and prove beneficial to facilities.