Clinical evaluation of a synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix in the treatment of lower extremity surgical wounds

Introduction: Lower extremity surgical wounds can be difficult to treat and present various social challenges. New treatment options are needed to mitigate these clinical and social challenges and reduce treatment cost and time. A synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix* with an architecture similar to native tissue, a tailored resorption rate, and excellent durability and handling characteristics is becoming popular due its effectiveness in treating different kinds of wounds. In this retrospective study, this synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix* was used to treat lower extremity surgical wounds due to diabetic ulcer, transmetatarsal amputation, Lisfranc amputation, and metatarsal/partial ray amputation.

The governing hypothesis was that this matrix would result in effective wound healing and closure, with no or minimal complications.

Methods: Ten patients with a total of ten lower extremity surgical wounds and multiple comorbidities were included in this study. The hybrid-scale fiber matrix* was applied to the wound as part of the wound care treatment protocol, and healing progress was monitored at follow-up visits.ResultsThe average patient age was 61 years, and the average initial wound size was 50.2 cm2.

Overall, 80% of the wounds exhibited complete healing (100% epithelialization and closure of the wound site). For fully healed wounds, the average time to heal was 143.3 days, and good scar quality was achieved. One application of the synthetic matrix* was used for 9 out of 10 wounds, and 2 applications of the synthetic matrix* were used for 1 out of 10 wounds.

Discussion and Conclusions: Complete wound healing and closure was observed for 80% of the wounds following the use of the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix* as part of the wound care treatment protocol. Overall, this study demonstrated the viability of the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix* in treating complex surgical wounds, despite the presence of multiple co-morbidities.