The procedure takes about 10 minutes and patients generally notice a dramatic change in the wound within a month. Studies show Graftskin is more effective than traditional skin grafts. For diabetic foot ulcers treated with Graftskin, it took an average of 65 days for the wound to close versus 90 days for ulcers treated with conventional therapy. Graftskin patients also needed fewer amputations - 6.3 percent versus 15.6 percent. Doctors report no serious side effects and no rejections in over 12,000 patients using Graftskin.
Venous ulcers are a chronic wound caused by poor functioning of the valves in the veins of the legs.
Graftskin is not used on infected wounds and in patients with known allergies to bovine collagen. The procedure is approved under Medicare and most private insurance companies. Graftskin is also being studied for use in burn victims and in dermatological areas. Walt Disney Internet Group, ABC inc.