Application of a paste-type acellular dermal matrix for coverage of chronic ulcerative wounds

Background Chronic wounds occur due to failure of the normal healing process, associated with a lack of deposition of cellular components and a suitable microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is viewed as an ECM substitute, and a paste-type ADM has recently been introduced. We hypothesized that CGPaste, an injectable paste-type ADM, could serve as a scaffold and promote wound healing. Methods We retrospectively studied seven patients in whom CGPaste was applied between 2017 and 2018, who had pressure ulcers, necrotizing fasciitis, diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic defects, and osteomyelitis. The goal of applying CGPaste was to achieve complete wound healing with re-epithelialization or growth of granulation tissue, depending upon the wound bed status. CGPaste was injected based on the wound size along with the application of a dressing. Results Four of the seven patients showed granulation tissue on their wound bed, while the other three patients had a bony wound bed. The mean wound area was $453.57mm^2$ and the depth was 10.71 mm. Wound healing occurred in five of the seven patients (71.43%). The mean duration of complete healing was 2.4 weeks. Two patients showed failure due to paste absorption (29.57%); these patients had wound beds comprising bone with relatively large and deep wounds ($40{\times}30$ and $30{\times}20mm^2$ in area and 15 and 10 mm in depth). Conclusions CGPaste is an effective option for coverage of small and deep chronic wounds for which a flap operation or skin grafting is unfeasible.