Using Advanced and Adaptive Technologies for the Management of Wounds - Extracellular Matrix and Gentian Violet / Methylene Blue Antibacterial Foam Dressing

Background: Inherent problems develop when acute wounds digress from the normal healing pathway, generating a de-stabilized, hostile, proteolytic wound environment that cannot progress to constructive remodeling. External factors, such as infection or bacterial colonization of a wound add to these challenges and intensify the problems which prevent wound closure. In this case series, challenging or at-risk wounds presented at our center were managed using extracellular matrix (ECM) technology†#, in combination with a Gentian Violet/Methylene Blue (GV/MB) polyurethane (PU) antibacterial foam* dressing. This treatment solution is adaptive and can be tailored to individual wounds and the stage of wound healing. ECM technology, either with or without ionic silver, stabilizes the wound bed, modulates early inflammation and importantly, builds tissue during the later stages of healing. GV/MB foam is a complementary technology which is non-cytotoxic and does not inhibit growth factors.  This dual approach aimed to facilitate both the maintenance of the wound bed to promote remodeling as well as protect from bacterial colonization. 

Case Series: In this case series, a range of wound types and injuries were selected for this dual approach to wound management. After debridement and wound bed preparation, ECM/Ag† was applied to the wound bed on a 3- to 7-day frequency and covered with GV/MB antibacterial foam dressing.  After two weeks, management was switched to ECM# alone and continued with GV/MB antibacterial foam dressing to cover and protect. ECM/Ag or subsequent ECM assisted in stabilizing the proteolytic environment of the wound and providing a temporary scaffold while the GV/MB absorbed the bacteria-laden exudate away from the wound bed.  

†Endoform Antimicrobial Dermal Template; #Endoform Natural Dermal Template; *Hydrofera Blue READY Foam