Even with the most meticulous care, some chronic wounds won't heal. When the wound is on a leg or arm, doctors may need to amputate above the diseased area to prevent the infection from spreading further up the limb. Now, doctors have one more treatment approach for chronic wounds. It comes from an unusual source - the intestines of pigs. When the layer is extracted, researchers remove all the cells, leaving behind a complex matrix or structure of collagen, growth factors, sugars and other components needed to jump start the wound healing process.
Nearby tissues deliver human cells and nutrients.
As blood vessels grow into the SIS, more nutrients are provided to the area. Gradually, as the wound heals, the implant breaks down and is replaced by healthy human tissue. Depending on the extent of the wound, the process may need to be repeated until the area is completely healed. In the end, the new skin and tissue blends in almost perfectly with the surrounding area. Early this year, the FDA approved the Oasis Wound Dressing for full thickness injuries, such as trauma and surgery wounds and chronic ulcers.