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Clinical Research
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Clinical experience with Oasis* wound matrix for the treatment of venous and diabetic ulcers J.A. Niezgoda, MD, FAPWCA, St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI Venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers are characteristically difficult to heal and can lead to costly sequelae. These wounds also reduce quality of life, frequently hindering mobility and causing pain. Although pain is a well-known feature of difficult to heal wounds, particularly venous leg ulcers, the effects of different treatment modalities on this complication have not been well studied. Here we examine the effects of Oasis*, a biologically active matrix, on wound healing and pain in a series of patients with venous or diabetic ulcers. Oasis was used in these patients due to its structural and functional properties that recapitulate the extracellular matrix, including its inclusion of growth factors, which may address the extracellular matrix deficits that characterize difficult to heal wounds and speed wound closure. In addition to monitoring healing and pain in this series of patients, we also evaluate factors that may help optimize treatment with Oasis, including patient selection, wound type and characteristics, assessment of wound progress, and when to discontinue treatment. Results may be valuable in guiding further clinical use of this active interventional treatment and encourage the evaluation of quality of life aspects such as pain in clinical study and practice. *Oasis, Healthpoint, Fort Worth, TX |
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