Many podiatrists manage difficult-to-heal wounds with debridement and dressing changes, rather than with autografting, since it requires harvisting skin above the knee. Apligraf (Graftskin), however, provides a ready source of living human skin that the podiatrist can use and is usually reimbursed by insurance sarriers. The positive results of this study corroborates previous studies showing that Apligraf effectively treat venous stasis ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. The layers of Apligraf resemble human skin, in that it has a functional epidermis and dermis. It does not contain certain components such as, blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, Langerhan's cells, melanocytes, macrophages, or lymphocytes. While having a low immunogenic profile, which is essentially neutral, it acts as a permeable protective barreier, therefore aiding in controling infection. It provides the wound with a host of growth factors and eliminates the need for a donor site.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Identify eligable candidates for Apligraf. 2. Understand selection protocols for applicable candidates. 3. Develop out patient procedures and evaluate post operative treatment regime. 4. Understand the bioenginered tissue model and its wound delivery system of growth factors
Keywords: Physicians, Treatment Efficacy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Novartis
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.