Treatment Options for Diabetic Foot Ulcers in All Levels of Care Utilizing a Nano-Engineered Tissue Matrix

The epidemic of diabetes has long-term, life-altering effects on every system in the body, with diabetic foot ulcers requiring an interdisciplinary approach to management and prevention of reoccurrence. Wound management occurs within all levels of the health-care system, as a provider rounding in the skilled nursing setting one must be cognizant of the facilities formulary of wound care products and the financial cost.

A 69-year-old male with multiple comorbidities was referred for evaluation of left lateral heel diabetic foot ulcer Wagner Grade 1, resistant to other products. A nano-engineered tissue matrix* was applied to the wound bed after wound bed debridement and preparation; the nanofiber matrix is similar to a native extracellular matrix and assists the wound bed to create a scaffolding. This dressing is left in place and changed weekly; after four applications the diabetic foot ulcer had reached full closure. As a side note, the patient reported less pain to the wound and foot.

Long-term wound management is challenging. With the requirement of weekly dressing changes and product placement performed at the facility, this allows for cost savings and faster healing rates in chronic diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds. This affects the patient’s quality of life by preventing amputation and the ability to participate in occupational/physical therapy sooner, and may lead to an earlier discharge home.