The Use of a Collagen Sponge/living Cell Composite Material to Treat Donor Sites in Burn Patients

The objective of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of bilayered cellular matrix, (OrCel) Ortec International, Inc., New York, NY in facilitating timely wound closure of split-thickness donor sites in severely burned patients. We utilized a matched pairs design; each patient had two designated donor sites of equivalent surface area and depth. Sites were randomized to receive a single treatment of either OrCel or the standard dressing Biobrane-L (Bertek Pharmaceuticals) Sugarland, TX. The results demonstrate that OrCel was more effective in facilitating timely wound closure of split-thickness skin donor sites than Biobrane-L. The healing time for OrCel sites was significantly shorter than for sites treated with Biobrane-L. This acceleration of wound healing was clinically important in enabling earlier recropping. OrCel sites also exhibited reduced scarring. Therefore, treatment of donor site wounds with OrCel is well tolerated, promotes more rapid healing, and results in reduced scarring when compared with conventional therapy with Biobrane-L.