Processed microvascular tissue improves healing in a case series of challenging wounds
Background: Healthy microvasculature provides nutrient and oxygen delivery and removes waste metabolites critical for sustained tissue viability and function after wound healing. Processed microvascular tissue (PMVT), a novel allograft, aims to directly address the compromised microvasculature found in chronic and complex wounds.
Aim: Building on a Level 1 randomized controlled trial demonstrating improved healing and lower extremity sensation with PMVT in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers, along with a sub-study demonstrating increased wound area blood flow, this article details the authors’ clinical experience with PMVT in a case series of challenging wounds, including diabetic foot ulcer, Charcot foot ulcer, venous leg ulcer, and Mohs surgical wound cases.
Methods: Patients received weekly or semi-weekly topical PMVT treatment until wound sites demonstrated active healing with evidence of good microcirculation and progressing reepithelialization. In all cases, PMVT was covered with a non-adherent dressing and left untouched between visits. Patients were directed not to change the wound dressing, to comply with standard care guidance appropriate for each of their wounds, and to return weekly for assessment of the wound and (if needed) reapplication of the PMVT product. Wound size was measured using a ruler at each visit.
Results: Closure criteria were 100% epithelialization with no maceration, exudate, or signs of infection. The topical application of PMVT successfully healed all challenging or at-risk wounds evaluated in this clinical case series.
Conclusion: By repairing the deficient local microvasculature within and around the wounds, PMVT was able to facilitate the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the ulcer and enable healing.
Relevance for Patients: PMVT demonstrates the potential to be a strong advanced wound care technology for the treatment of chronic and complex wounds that are refractory to standard care.
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