MiMedx Group Inc, a leader in regenerative medicine using human amniotic tissue products and therapies, announces the publication of its most recent peer-reviewed independent clinical case series of MiMedx EpiFix allografts.

The Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery published the paper, “Bone and Tendon Coverage via Dehydrated Human Amniotic/Chorionic Membrane and Split-Thickness Skin Grafting.”

The case series highlights a novel limb-salvage technique that uses dHACM to generate granulation tissue over exposed tendon and bone and the definitive closing of the wounds using split-thickness skin grafts. Authors of the paper include: Radbeh Torabi, MD; Amy L. Strong, PhD, MPH;  M’liss E. Hogan, MD; Charles L. Dupin, MD; Oren Tessler, MD, MBA; and Frank H. Lau, MD.  Drs Torabi, Hogan, Dupin, Tessler, and Lau are associated with the Division of Plastic Surgery, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, and Dr Strong with the Center for Stem Cell Research, Tulane University School of Medicine.

Because of the complex and debilitating structure of extremity wounds when critical structures aren’t exposed, it’s easier to manage using skin grafting and local wound care. In cases where the bone and/or tendon is exposed, conservative wound care and skin grafting is not possible. The use of soft-tissue reconstruction can make an individual more likely to avoid amputation and tendon rupture that results in loss of function.

Doctors looking to beat the failure rates found in free-flap limb salvage looked for a reliable alternative that would allow stable wound closure. Extremity wounds with exposed bone and tendon burden the US healthcare system and have only limited treatment options, according to a media release from MiMedx Group Inc.

“With the additional advantages to free-flap reconstructions that the case series identified for this modality, such as a potential decreased time of hospital stay, avoiding immobility for the patient, reduced need for intensive care unit monitoring, and decreased need of ancillary service including nursing and physical therapy, we are pleased to have our dHACM allografts be a part of the next phase of this unique study,” says Parker H. “Pete” Petit, chairman and CEO, in the release.

During the case study period of November 5, 2014 through March 30, 2015, seven patients had dHACM plus STSG limb salvage. These patients ranged in age from eight to 64. Study authors collected outcomes for six of the seven patients. One patient became lost in follow-up.

“We applaud the innovative approach this team of physicians has undertaken to develop novel techniques to bring about better clinical outcomes, while at the same time reducing the economic burden of these highly technical and complex procedures,” states Bill Taylor, MiMedx Group Inc president and COO, in the release. “Their philosophy is much aligned with ours, and we look forward to seeing the results of their follow-up studies.”

[Source(s): MiMedx Group Inc, PR Newswire]