Might a Synthetic Matrix Have an Impact on Lower Extremity Wound Healing?

In a poster at SAWC Spring titled, “Lower Extremity Wounds Treated with a Synthetic Hybrid-Scale Fiber Matrix,” Bradley P. Abicht, DPM, FACFAS performed a retrospective case review of 7 patients who underwent application of that matrix to a lower extremity wound. The subjects averaged an age of 62 years, and had multiple comorbidities including, but not limited to: diabetes, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, and chronic anticoagulation.
 
“I believe this current poster case series highlights the application versatility of the synthetic nanofiber wound matrix to successfully heal several different types of complex lower extremity wounds,” he explains.
 
All 7 patients achieved total healing at an average of 98 days and 1.3 synthetic matrix applications per subject.
 
“The versatility of the synthetic wound matrix … provides clinicians an excellent option within the wound care treatment paradigm when treating complex lower extremity wounds,” he adds.

What You Should Know About a Synthetic Hybrid-Scale Fiber Matrix

Dr. Abicht shares that the matrix he studied is a fully synthetic, fully resorbable material, bioengineered to mimic the extracellular matrix of human tissue.
 
“It is not a skin-substitute, allograft or xenograft, and really represents its own category within wound healing, which makes it unique,” he explains.
 
He adds that, because of these factors, he finds there is typically less inflammatory cascade, less exudate, and no potential for disease transmission. It does not require refrigeration or special storage, nor does it require tissue tracking. Dr. Abicht adds that there are multiple size options with non-meshed or pre-meshed versions.
 
“The nanofiber matrix is easy to handle or apply, and can be used in multiple settings including clinic, operating room, and wound centers,” he says. “All these factors are critically important when determining what product a patient may benefit most from and makes the synthetic fiber matrix extremely valuable when addressing complex lower extremity wounds that are common in our daily practices.”
 
Dr. Abicht has been part of multiple publications on this modality,^1,2 and hopes clinicians will be inspired to acquire further knowledge of this synthetic matrix as an option in their wound treatment paradigms.
 
“I would encourage clinicians to read about the science behind this unique product and understand the mechanism on how it works,” he says. “I believe it would also be helpful to review the peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate the success of the nanofiber wound matrix in treatment of various complex wounds. Additionally, talk with other clinicians that have experience with the synthetic matrix to pick-up tips and pearls on how it’s best incorporated into your practice to ensure successful application.”
 
Dr. Abicht is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and practices with Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. He discloses he is a consultant for Acera Surgical.
 
References
1.     Abicht BP, Deitrick III GA, MacEwan MR, Jeng L. Evaluation of wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers in a prospective clinical trial using a synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix. FASTRAC. 2022;2(1):100135.
2.     Barton ED, Abicht BP. Lower extremity wounds treated with a synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix. FASTRAC. 2021;1(3):100076.