Chronic wounds are a growing challenge for medical professionals, and systems. While there are fundamental interventions that are applicable to most or all problem, or chronic wounds, such as wound bed preparation, supplemental nutrition, optimization of co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, and assessment and correction of vascular deficits, if present, no all wounds heal, even when best-practices are followed, and these areas addressed.
In the effort to facilitate healing in patients who fail to respond to full-spectrum standard wound care, advanced modalities are an increasingly important option. One type of Advanced Modality is called an Engineered Dermal Substitute. There are now more than 700 FDA approved dermal substitute products, and several distinct sub-categories within this larger grouping.
An engineered dermal substitute (EDS) is a type of skin substitute that is used to treat wounds or defects in the skin. It is made of biocompatible materials that mimic the structure and function of human skin, and is designed to promote the growth of new tissue.
EDS typically consists of a three-dimensional scaffold made of biocompatible materials such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, or synthetic polymers. This scaffold is seeded with cells such as fibroblasts or keratinocytes, which are key cells involved in the healing process. The cells grow and organize within the scaffold, creating a new layer of tissue that can integrate with the surrounding skin.
EDS can be used to treat a variety of skin injuries, such as burns, chronic wounds, and ulcers. It can also be used for reconstructive surgery to replace lost or damaged skin. EDS has several advantages over traditional skin grafts, including a reduced risk of infection, less scarring, and the ability to customize the scaffold to fit the specific needs of the patient.
While EDSs have shown promise in clinical trials, they are still a relatively new technology and further research is needed to determine their long-term safety and effectiveness. However, they have the potential to be an important tool in the treatment of chronic wounds, and could help improve the quality of life for patients with these conditions.