Pilot Study: DermiSphere: A Novel Hydrogel with Collagen Microspheres Dermal Regeneration Template

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Dermal regeneration templates (DRTs) are crucial for wound healing and reconstruction.
• A novel hydrogel DRT (hDRT) with embedded collagen microspheres (DermiSphere) facilitates early second-stage skin grafting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of DermiSphere hDRT in two-stage reconstruction of oncologic facial defects.
• To assess the vascularization and integration of hDRT for subsequent skin grafting.

Main Methods:

• Four patients with oncologic facial defects (nasal, forehead/glabellar, cheek) underwent hDRT application.
• Single-layer and two-layer hDRT techniques were employed, followed by second-stage skin grafting.

Main Results:

• DermiSphere hDRT demonstrated rapid vascularization, supporting early second-stage skin grafting within 7-18 days (average 11.5 days).
• Defects showed favorable wound contraction and a well-vascularized tissue bed after hDRT application.
• Layering of hDRT was feasible without delaying skin grafting; immediate grafting was achieved in one case.

Conclusions:

• The hDRT facilitates rapid vascularization, enabling successful skin grafting in a condensed timeframe.
• Layering of hDRT is possible, and acceptable functional and aesthetic results were observed with minimal tissue distortion.