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The ideal closure of a chronic wound would be one that can quickly cover the wound with local-site, full thickness skin (epidermis and dermis) and also fills the wound cavity with subcutaneous tissue. The new Proxiderm procedure and device offers the physician a means for closing chronic wounds in days or a few weeks versus the months to years with traditional treatments. The basic philosophy of the Proxiderm procedure and device is to recruit and cover the open wound with the patients own healthy skin. Healthy skin is the best wound healing environment !
The Proxiderm device consists of a pair of tissue hooks that are inserted into healthy skin near the opposing wound margins. The Proxiderm device automatically applies a constant sustained, low grade force to the edges of the wound, encouraging the wound edges to come together and slowly stretches nearby healthy skin to maximally cover the wound with full thickness skin and fills the wound cavity with sub cutaneous tissue. The Proxiderms are typically left on the patient for periods of 2 to 3 days at a time. During that time the wound edges slowly approach each other. Larger wounds require multiple applications of the Proxiderms until the wound can be closed. Most wounds can be closed within 6 weeks. Smaller wounds can be closed in a few days. The Proxiderm procedure takes advantage of the natural elasticity of skin and uses the principles of tissue expansion and approximation. As the tissue hooks of the Proxiderm device approach each other there is a continuous process of tissue approximation supplemented by increased skin growth though tissue expansion. Tissue approximation is an everyday surgical practice where primary incisional wounds are approximated by a combination of undermining and closure of the wound with sutures or staples. Tissue expansion is a recognized natural occurring event. When skin has a constant force applied to it, over a period of time, it has the capacity to progressively stretch to create additional skin coverage as is demonstrated in such natural occurring events as pregnancy, obesity and the growth process as one ages from childhood to adulthood. Since all chronic wounds are contaminated and it is often possible to culture organisms, the gradual wound closure of the Proxiderm procedure (one to four weeks) allows the physician the opportunity to continually clean the wound and remove necrotic material as the wound closes. This reduces the likelihood of entrapment of contaminated material which often leads to wound breakdown and infection. This approach also allows time and opportunity for the generation of new tissue and for the growth of blood vessels. Scientific studies indicate that a constant sustained force applied to skin stimulates angiogenesis (growth of blood vessels); the blood supply to the affected area is a crucial factor in the wound healing process. The Proxiderm family of devices for wound care consists of four models that are appropriately curved for different body contours. When the tissue hooks of the Proxiderm devices are extended and inserted into healthy skin near the margins of the wound , the Proxiderm device automatically applies a constant sustained force of 460 grams to the margins of the wounds.
SELECT THE APPROPRIATE CATEGORY FOR INFORMATION ON WOUND MANAGEMENT Clinical Cases Progressive Surgical Products makes no warranties that the information presented herein is completely accurate or comprehensive. Progressive Surgical Products is not responsible for any errors or omissions which may be present. This information is intended as a resource only and individuals should review other sources. This site and the information contained herein is not intended to be a substitute for consultation, examination or advice offered by a certified physician. Progressive Surgical Products does not warranty any treatment, surgical or non-surgical, which any individual follows based on information presented herein. Progressive Surgical Products will not be liable for any damages, direct, indirect or consequential |
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