The Efficacy of an Ultrathin Bioresorbable Silver-impregnated Polymeric Multilayer Matrix in the Treatment of Chronic Wounds and as an Implantable Material for At-risk Surgical Wounds
BACKGROUND: People with diabetes have proven an especially difficult patient population in terms of both healing and prevention of infection in primary surgical wounds. The propensity for primarily closed surgical wounds to dehisce is increased, lending to prolonged healing time and greater risk of infection leading to hospital admission and even limb loss. Silver dressings have been used in the wound care arena with proven efficacy in the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds and as primary dressings over postoperative incisions. In the latter case, these dressings release active silver ion into surgical site drainage, reducing bacterial load to decrease development of postop infection. The ultimate aim is to decrease the chance of bacteria entering through the incision.
OBJECTIVE: Presented here is a bioresorbable polymeric matrix, 20 μm thick, that intimately contacts the wound bed, allowing for use of a subcytotoxic level of silver to clear bacteria and support cell migration and neovascularization. It can be placed onto acute and chronic wounds to decrease bacterial load and eliminate biofilm.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This matrix carries an added benefit as it can be implanted just before incision closure to decrease bacterial load within the surgical site for at least 3 days after surgery, affording protection during the initial phase of healing when the site is most vulnerable. Patients with diabetes undergoing closed surgical procedures were selected for implantation of the silver bioresorbable matrix prior to incision closure and were monitored throughout the postoperative course.
RESULTS: All 15 patients in the study achieved closure with no accounts of postoperative infection. Two patients experienced weightbearing dehiscence but healed with topical use of the matrix.
CONCLUSIONS: Closure of at-risk surgical wounds carries an inherent level of risk. This small initial study population alludes to reduced risk of postoperative infection with use of this matrix and offers a promising option for at-risk patients undergoing surgery.
CITATION
Chatelain R. The efficacy of an ultrathin bioresorbable silver impregnated polymeric multilayer matrix in the treatment of chronic wounds and as an implantable material for at-risk surgical wounds. Poster presented at: Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall; November 2-4, 2018; Las Vegas, NV.
Product: MicroLyte Ag Matrix (Imbed Biosciences Inc, Fitchburg, WI)
This abstract was not subject to the WOUNDS peer-review process.
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