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AlloDerm - A Safe and Effective Alternative to Your Own Tissue
Tissue Loss or Damage
Hernia formation, trauma, surgery, age-related diseases, infection, tumor, and degenerative conditions can lead to tissue loss or damage. Tissue loss or damage can be a devastating experience for you.
Fortunately, there are several options available for the replacement of your lost or damaged tissue. Ideally, the option you choose will not cause additional pain or introduce further complications. In addition, the option you choose will ideally result in new tissue growth so that after complete healing it will be as if you have regained your own tissue.
The two most commonly used repair options - autografts and synthetic materials - are not ideal. But, there is a better alternative - AlloDerm.
Autograft
An autograft involves taking your own tissue from another part of your body for the repair. Using your own tissue is a good option, as it will not be rejected by your body. The autograft is accepted by your body and can restore the structure and function in the area of placement.
But, you would have to face two surgeries instead of one - one at the repair site and the other at the site where tissue for the repair is taken (referred to as the donor site). In addition, you could have complications such as infection, and healing might leave a scar at the donor site.
You could also have complications at the repair site: the donor tissue could be damaged, leading to inflammation; the donor tissue could die, leading to transfer failure and leaving you with two surgical sites and still no repair; or the donor tissue could tear while it is being stitched, leading to problems in healing.
Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials, such as meshes, made of materials like ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) and polypropylene can be used as alternatives to your own tissue for repair. The repair process for these materials is based not on regenerative healing, but on scar formation in and around the mesh.
The advantage of using these materials is that they do not present the donor site issues encountered with using your own tissue for repair. They are strong and do not tear easily, are readily available, inexpensive, and have a long history of being used for soft tissue reinforcement.
However, use of synthetic materials is not without problems. As a foreign material, your body may react to its presence by growing around it (encapsulation) in an attempt to exclude it from your body. In the process, your tissue forms a capsule of rigid, fibrous scar tissue around the synthetic material. The rigid capsule could affect the function and the aesthetic outcome of the repair. Furthermore, foreign bodies such as synthetic materials increase the risk of infection when implanted in the body. As part of the foreign body response, the repair site may be subjected to inflammation, infection and pain.
AlloDerm - A Safe and Effective Alternative
AlloDerm is Human Tissue
AlloDerm is processed from donated human skin. The tissue goes through a cell removal process while retaining the important biochemical and structural components. AlloDerm is, thus, acellular human tissue.
Using AlloDerm for tissue repair is like using your own tissue except that you will avoid a second surgical site and the potential problems associated with autografts. Also, you will further minimize any potential problems at the repair site because AlloDerm will regenerate into your own tissue.
Read more (http://www.lifecell.com/products/95/)
AlloDerm is Safe
Since AlloDerm is derived from human tissue, there may be a concern that it might harbor disease carrying viruses. Tissue donors are screened and tested for transmissible diseases including HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis before tissue processing.
A comprehensive review of the donor's medical records and social history is completed and released by a medical director before allowing the tissue to be processed.
Finally, before AlloDerm is released for use, additional tests are performed to assure patient safety.
AlloDerm has been utilized in more than 1 million implants and grafts to date, without any confirmed incidence of viral disease transmission to a patient.
AlloDerm Supports New Tissue Growth and Restores Function
AlloDerm repairs damaged tissue by providing a foundation for new tissue regeneration. The skin components preserved in AlloDerm supports your own tissue to grow into the AlloDerm after placement at the repair site.
After the procedure, blood will flow from your tissue into the preserved vascular channels in AlloDerm. This is a critical event, as it paves the way for tissue regeneration.
Next, your own cells will move into AlloDerm and begin the process of new tissue growth or tissue regeneration. This is the same process that your body uses to replace cells that your body sheds as part of your body's regular maintenance cycle.
As the healing progresses, more and more of your cells will move into AlloDerm and transform it into tissue that not only resembles your own but also functions like your own.
Read more (http://www.lifecell.com/products/96/)
AlloDerm Reduces the Risk of Rejection and Infection
Because AlloDerm goes through a cell removal process, AlloDerm is much less likely to be recognized as a foreign body, which helps reduce the chance of rejection by your immune system.
Because AlloDerm regenerates into your own tissue, the occurrence of infection when AlloDerm is used has been less than synthetic materials. In fact, AlloDerm has been used by doctors in infected wounds where synthetic materials cannot be used.
The New You
Once the repair site has completely healed, you may be unable to tell the difference between your own tissue and AlloDerm.
The repaired site will look like your own healthy tissue, and not scar.
Established Success with AlloDerm
Since its introduction in 1994, AlloDerm has a history of successful use in a wide range of tissue replacement and reinforcement procedures. In fact, AlloDerm has been used in over 1 million successful implants and grafts to date in burn, periodontal, head and neck, and reconstructive procedures.
Read more (http://www.lifecell.com/products/6/)
Your Role
To ensure complete healing with AlloDerm and to obtain the expected results, you must follow the advice of your doctor.
Complete healing with AlloDerm takes about 2 to 6 months, depending on the repair site and the procedure. Should you have any concerns or questions during the healing process, you should consult your doctor.
Individual results may vary and may depend on your specific situation and/or medical condition. Consult with your doctor to ensure that AlloDerm is right for you. |
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