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Case Study/Series
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The use of a native collagen dressing* on lower extremity ulcerations First Author: Vickie Driver Authors: Michael Anne French, Julie Anderson, Catherine Griffis, Nazia Kazmi, Kristin Settles Clinical Problem: Lower extremity ulcerations encompass many different patient populations. The clinicians facing the challenge of treating these patients must collaborate a strategy of keeping the wound bed moist, minimizing exudates, insuring adequate perfusion to the wound, and stimulating the tissues to heal in an expeditious manner, all while keeping infection at bay. A vast assortment of topical wound care products are already in existence to aid in this mission; this study evaluated the addition of a new type of product to the arsenal. Treatment Approach: Sharp or ultrasonic debridement was routinely used to remove necrotic tissue from wound margins and expose healthy tissue. In the instance of venous ulcers, compression therapy was often used along with wound care products. The clinician selected the correct combination of dressings to suit the type of wound and the patient was followed in weekly clinic visits. Depending on circumstance, some dressings were also changed in between visits. In addition to their usual therapies, patients who wished to participate received an application of the native collagen dressing* to their wound in addition to their usual treatment weekly. Dressing Specifics: The dressing reflected similar composition to skin and contained quaternary fiber bundles. The manufacturers used only mild conditions for extraction of the collagen ensuring that it remained "native" and not denatured. It was proposed that these specifics will enable the dressing to facilitate quicker tissue responsiveness since it should "recognize" proponents in the dressing. Results: Patients involved were followed for six to eight weeks and classified demographically and by wound type (acute or chronic and diabetic, venous or traumatic). A photographic record of wound progress was kept, and healing time and tissue responsiveness were documented. *Puracolª, Medline Industries Inc. Mundelein, IL. |
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