| 1. How is GraftJacket® Matrix unique? |
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It's made from donated human tissue and usually requires a one-time only application. |
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| 2. How long will it take for GRAFTJACKET® Matrix to work?
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Between 5 - 7 days after your surgery, the GRAFTJACKET® Matrix begins to be incorporated into your body. Complete repair by the body depends on many factors and not just on GRAFTJACKET® Matrix. |
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| 3. What type of post-operative care should I expect? |
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The initial dressing should remain in place for a minimum of 5 days prior to beginning the new dressing replacement schedule. In order to maintain the optimal healing environment, it is important to change the dressing every three to five days, for the first 3-4 weeks. The dressing should be saturated with mineral oil. Doing so enables the GRAFTJACKET® Matrix to maintain a moist environment and rapidly incorporate or "take" to the underlying tissue. Incorporation should occur over the first five to seven days. Tissue will grow from the wound bed up until the remaining GRAFTJACKET® scaffold is at skin level. |
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| 4. What are some of the complications of diabetes in the United States? |
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While heart disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths in the United States, the risk for stoke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Associations. Other complications include high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, amputations, nervous system disease, dental disease and complications of pregnancy. Diabetes that is uncontrolled often lead to biochemical imbalances that can cause acute life-threatening events, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar (nonketotic) coma. People with diabetes are more susceptible to many other illnesses.1 |
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| 5. What is a diabetic foot ulcer? |
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A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore, most frequently found on the bottom of the foot. These foot ulcers develop in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes.2 Foot ulceration remains the most common reason for hospital admission among diabetic patients. |
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| 6. How do foot ulcers form?
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There are a combination of factors that can cause diabetic foot ulcers to form. Lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, trauma, foot irritation such as friction or pressure, as well as the ongoing disease of diabetes, can all cause foot ulcers to form on people with diabetes. 2 According to the American Diabetes Association and the American Academy of Family Physician's, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and smoking can harm the circulation in your feet and keep sores from healing. 1, 10, 11 |
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| 7. Why do diabetics have a lack of feeling in their feet?
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Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to damage of nerves in the feet. Patients that experience higher than normal levels of blood sugar can lose sensation in their feet, particularly a sensation to pain.12 Often, you may not even be aware of a problem because of a lack of feeling in your feet. This is why your podiatric physician will recommend that you check your feet daily. |
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| 8. Why are diabetic foot ulcers such a problem?
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Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations in the
U.S.2 In fact, roughly two-thirds of all amputations are performed on
diabetics. In 1997, there were approximately 86,000 amputations
performed on diabetics. Of note, 85% of all amputations in the
diabetic were preceded by a foot ulcer.1 Once you notice a foot ulcer,
you should seek medical care immediately. It is extremely important to
treat this open wound to reduce the risk of infection and possible amputation. |
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| 9. How is a foot ulcer treated?
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The most important goal in treating a foot ulcer is to obtain quick
healing. The faster the wound is healed, the less chance there is for
infection. Specific treatment is at the discretion of your podiatric physician. The following are the basic steps in treating a foot ulcer:
- Removing dead and devitalized skin and tissue (debridement)
- Applying medication/dressings
- Regular dressing changes
- Off-loading (taking pressure off the affected area)
Sometimes the wound can become "sick" and not heal
normally. These are often referred to as chronic or non-healing
wounds. Many factors may be involved, but basically the wound just
refuses to heal despite the podiatric physician's best efforts.
In these cases, a chronic wound graft like GRAFTJACKET® Matrix
can be used to support the body as it repairs itself.
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| 10. What is off-loading?
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When treating an ulcer, it is very important to off-load or take the pressure off the affected area. This can be done with special dressings to the foot, footwear such as removable walking boots, healing sandals, or half-shoes, as well as braces and casts. By off-loading the wound, you allow the body to help repair itself more quickly. |
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| 11. How can diabetic foot ulcers be prevented?
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Prevention is the best medicine for foot ulcers. Recommended
guidelines for prevention include regular visits to your podiatric physician,
monitoring and controlling your blood sugar levels, checking your feet
on a daily basis, and wearing appropriate shoes and socks to help
prevent callus formation.1 |
