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Updated: Oct 4, 2025
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
Augmented flap reconstruction of complex pressure ulcers using synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix
Mary Vallery1, Thomas Shannon1
1Nexus Wound Care, Shenandoah, Texas.
Introduction:
Flap reconstruction of pressure ulcers offers an important clinical means of decreasing morbidity in hospitalized patients. A new, novel method of managing pressure ulcer wounds uses a synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix prior to tissue flap reconstruction. This synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix is comprised of micron-scale and nanoscale fiber structure similar to that of human extracellular matrix and supports cell ingrowth, retention, and granulation tissue formation.
Objective:
The primary objective of the present study was to examine use of the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix as a means of encouraging granulation tissue within complex wounds to promote successful and lasting wound closure following flap reconstruction.
Materials And Methods:
Patients included in this retrospective study had pressure ulcers that were not successfully managed with other wound therapies; in addition, these patients presented with various risk factors for postoperative complications. Before treatment, sharp debridement of the wound margins and wound bed was performed. Wounds were subsequently treated by applying synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix prior to flap reconstruction, based on physician assessment of wound status. The primary objective to include the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix in the treatment approach of pressure ulcers in this case series was to ensure (1) integration to the wound bed prior to flap closure to encourage granulation tissue formation at a later time and (2) lasting successful wound closure following flap reconstruction.
Results:
Overall, the patient outcomes indicated that the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix was used to manage pressure ulcers successfully, with a wound closure rate of 90.9% (10 cases of complete wound closure and 1 case of 97.2% wound area reduction). Additionally, no complication related to the application of each synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix was reported.
Conclusions:
Application of synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix to the wound bed prior to flap closure promotes cellular ingrowth and granulation tissue formation, which promotes successful and lasting wound closure following flap reconstruction.
