Biomaterial matrices for deep tissue ulcer repair

Problem:
Severe ulcerating pressure sores and other wounds with deep tissue loss are now treated by reconstructive surgery, using a muscle flap rotated from an adjacent unaffected site to fill the defect. If the ulcer recurs, there may be no remaining donor site for a graft.

Approach:
We are developing a graft for repair of deep or recurring ulcers constructed of biomaterial matrices inoculated with connective tissue and fat cells, nourished either by an external fluid loop through artificial capillaries, or by a microsurgically relocated arteriovenous loop.

A one-year RRD pilot project (with William C. Lineaweaver, MD) has tested composite collagen/hyaluronic acid grafts for cell compatibility in vitro; a second RRD pilot proposal (with Kenneth Hui, MD) to test microsurgical revascularization in rats began in April, 1996.

Investigators:

• Eric E. Sabelman, PhD
• William C. Lineaweaver, MD (composite collagen/hyaluronic acid grafts for cell compatibility in vitro)
• Kenneth Hui, MD (microsurgical revascularization in rats)
• Nicole Diep, MS

Related Publications:

"Collagen/Hyaluronic Acid Matrices for Connective Tissue Repair", First Smith & Nephew Intermational Symposium: Advances in Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials, University of York, UK, 20-23 July, 1997.

Last updated January 12, 1998