Revolutionizing Soft Tissue Reconstruction: How MatriDerm^® is Overcoming the Status Quo

Dermal matrices are pivotal in soft tissue reconstruction, establishing a robust foundation for neodermis formation and optimal re-epithelialization. However, due to the complex regenerative processes and precursors required for proper neodermis formation, traditional dermal matrices often fall short of both patient and physician expectations. As a result, soft tissue reconstruction outcomes may fail to meet adequate clinical, functional, and/or aesthetic targets in a timely manner.

Challenges with Traditional Dermal Matrices

The foundational relationship between structure and function dictates the success of a dermal matrix. When the matrix composition fails to manage the wound bed optimally, the body is unable to perform the necessary soft tissue regeneration to achieve optimal outcomes. Traditional dermal matrices are associated with:

• Long vascularization timelines. Time to wound closure has a direct impact on reconstruction. Traditional dermal matrices often require 21-28 days to achieve vascularization, delaying wound closure and prolonging inflammation.^1,2 This extended exposure can lead to excessive granulation tissue, increasing the risk of scar formation, wound contraction, reduced mobility, and suboptimal aesthetic outcomes.
• Increased infection rates. Delayed wound closure, resulting from inhibited angiogenesis, prolongs exposure to pathogens and elevates infection risks. Traditional dermal matrices typically have reported infection rates between 14% and 55%.³ Infections, especially in complex wounds, complicate recovery by increasing the risk of additional damage and prolonged inflammation which can significantly slow the overall healing response, resulting in even longer closure times.
• Suboptimal dermis quality. Traditional dermal matrices, derived from porcine, bovine, or fish collagen have significantly different protein structures and matrix assembly properties when compared to human dermis. These differences impact their integration and effectiveness. These dissimilarities can negatively impact functional and aesthetic outcomes.

MatriDerm: A New Era in Soft Tissue Reconstruction

Improving soft tissue reconstruction outcomes begins with a dermal matrix that provides the optimal environment for robust angiogenesis, proliferation, and closure. MatriDerm represents the latest innovation in dermal matrix technology, by combining native bovine collagen I, III, and V with added elastin to support the following beneficial outcomes:

• Rapid vascularization. MatriDerm has been shown to vascularize in 3 to 7 days, allowing definitive closure with split thickness skin grafts weeks sooner than with other dermal matrices.⁴
• Low infection rates. Early establishment of blood supply and definitive closure has been proposed as the reason MatriDerm has reported infection rates between 0% and 5%⁵ vs vs 14-55% for other dermal matrices.⁶
• Improved neodermis quality. Use of MatriDerm and early wound closure has been shown to result in fewer myofibroblast cells⁷ (associated with scar contraction) and early formation of high quality neodermis.⁸ Therefore, MatriDerm allows excellent collagen structural organization and neodermis quality with the potential for decreased scarring, less contraction, and earlier rehabilitation and return to function.