(CS-077) Bovine Dermal Collagen Matrix* as Adjunct for Closure of Challenging Wounds After Surgical Incision Dehiscence

Post surgical wounds with the complication of dehiscence present a challenge in compromised patients.  When traditional incision re-closure is not an option, secondary intent closure is the goal.    The aim of this case series is to introduce a unique collagen matrix designed to support the wound healing process in the complication of wound dehiscence. Bovine dermal collagen matrix* is an absorbent extracellular matrix (ECM) comprised of Type I and Type III bovine collagen that closely resembles the human body’s native collagen. Fibrillar collagen derived from bovine dermis is biocompatible, biodegradable, and is used in this case series as a wound healing adjunct. We present 2 podiatric surgical dehiscence cases with challenging wounds, all treated successfully with bovine dermal collagen matrix*.

Methods:

Two surgical dehiscence cases are presented in this series, showing the efficacy of bovine dermal collagen matrix*.   Male to female ratio was equal, average age was 55.5 (55-56).  The average number of applications of collagen matrix was 3.5.  Average time to heal was 28 days.

Results:

Hard to heal wounds presented here resulted in wound closure after the application of bovine dermal collagen matrix.  Wound healing times were an average of 28 days with an average of 3.5 applications. All wounds maintain closure without significant scarring or adhesions.  None of the wounds resulted in recurrence.

Discussion:

The results of this case series show efficacy and reduced healing times of hard to heal postoperative dehisced wounds using bovine dermal collagen matrix*.  

Bovine dermal collagen matrix* provides a collagen scaffold like human native collagen and is known to sequester excess proteases away from the wound bed, allowing blood and new vessel formation to integrate within its scaffold. Bovine dermal collagen matrix* contains intrinsic hemostatic properties to control minor bleeding and is 100% resorbable through normal metabolic pathways.

When surgical procedures resulted in postoperative dehiscence, bovine dermal collagen matrix* showed efficacy in improving results with reduced closure time and prevention of further complications.

*HELIOGEN, Mimedx, Inc., Marrietta, GA