Used for:
🧬 Biological Skin Substitutes
Definition:
Biological skin substitutes are derived from human or animal tissues and are used to replace or mimic natural skin in wound repair.
Mechanism:
- Provide a scaffold for cell migration and revascularization.
- Contain extracellular matrix (ECM) components like collagen, fibronectin, and elastin.
- May include growth factors and live cells (fibroblasts or keratinocytes) to stimulate regeneration.
Examples:
- AlloDerm (human cadaveric dermis)
- Integra (bovine collagen + glycosaminoglycan with a silicone layer)
- Apligraf (bilayered—human fibroblasts and keratinocytes)
Indications:
- Burn injuries
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Venous leg ulcers
- Post-surgical wound coverage
Stem Cell Therapy
Definition:
The use of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, usually mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to promote regeneration in damaged tissue.
Mechanism:
- Differentiate into skin cell lineages (fibroblasts, endothelial cells).
- Secrete growth factors: VEGF, EGF, FGF, TGF-β, etc.
- Modulate inflammation and enhance angiogenesis.
- Support ECM remodeling and epithelialization.
Sources of stem cells:
- Bone marrow
- Adipose tissue
- Umbilical cord blood
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
Indications:
- Chronic non-healing ulcers (e.g., diabetic ulcers)
- Pressure sores
- Ischemic wounds
Collagen Therapy
Definition:
Application of collagen-based dressings or materials to the wound to accelerate healing.
Mechanism:
- Provides a natural scaffold for cell adhesion and migration.
- Binds excess proteases (MMPs) in chronic wounds, preserving native growth factors.
- Promotes granulation tissue formation and angiogenesis.
- Supports the transition from inflammatory to proliferative phase.
Forms:
- Sheets, gels, powders, sponges (often derived from bovine, porcine, or human collagen)
Indications:
- Chronic wounds (diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers)
- Traumatic wounds
- Surgical wounds
- Partial-thickness burns
📡 Ultrasound Therapy (Low-Frequency)
Definition:
Non-invasive therapy using low-frequency ultrasound waves to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
Mechanism:
- Mechanical stimulation improves blood flow and cell activity.
- Increases membrane permeability, promoting nutrient exchange.
- Reduces bacterial biofilm and inflammation.
- Promotes angiogenesis and collagen synthesis.
Techniques:
- Non-contact (MIST therapy)
- Contact with saline irrigation
Indications:
- Pressure ulcers
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Venous leg ulcers
- Post-surgical wounds
Oxygen Therapy
Definition:
A medical treatment that increasing oxygen supply to tissues.
Mechanism:
- Increases oxygen diffusion to hypoxic wound beds.
- Enhances fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis.
- Boosts leukocyte bacterial killing.
- Suppresses anaerobic bacteria.
Sessions:
Typically administered in 90–120 minute sessions, over several weeks.
Indications:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
- Radiation-induced wounds
- Compromised grafts/flaps
Wound VAC Therapy (Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – NPWT)
Definition:
Application of controlled negative pressure to a wound via a sealed dressing and vacuum pump system.
Mechanism:
- Draws edges of the wound together (macrostrain).
- Promotes cell proliferation and granulation tissue formation (microstrain).
- Reduces edema, removes excess exudate and infectious material.
- Improves perfusion and oxygenation.
Components:
- Foam or gauze dressing
- Occlusive drape
- Suction tubing connected to a vacuum unit
Indications:
- Acute and chronic wounds
- Pressure ulcers
- Surgical incisions
