Allie DE, Hebert CJ, Lirtzman MD, Wyatt CH, Keller VA, Souther SM, Allie AA, Mitran EV, Walker CM, et al.
The Annals of thoracic surgery. Date of publication 2004 Aug 1;volume 78(2):673-8; discussion 678.
1. Ann Thorac Surg. 2004 Aug;78(2):673-8; discussion 678. doi:
10.1016/j.athoracsur.2003.09.032.
Novel treatment strategy for leg and sternal wound complications after coronary
artery bypass graft surgery: bioengineered Apligraf.
Allie DE(1), Hebert CJ, Lirtzman MD, Wyatt CH, Keller VA, Souther SM, Allie AA,
Mitran EV, Walker CM.
Author information:
(1)Cardiovascular Institute of the South and Southwest Medical Center,
Lafayette, Louisiana, USA. david.allie@cardio.com
PURPOSE: To demonstrate that bioengineered Apligraf improves time to wound
healing in sternal and leg wound complications after coronary artery bypass
surgery.
DESCRIPTION: Between 1998 and 2001, 1,550 patients underwent coronary artery
bypass surgery utilizing saphenous vein. In 45 (2.9%) of 1,550 patients, leg
wound complications developed (group A); and in 15 (0.9%) of 1,550 patients,
sternal wound complications developed (group B). Apligraf was utilized as the
primary treatment for 30 (66%) of 45 leg wounds and for 9 (60%) of 15 sternal
wounds. Traditional wound care included debridement and daily wet-to-dry
dressings.
EVALUATION: Time to wound healing ranged from 26 to 72 days (mean, 46) for
Apligraf group A and from 34 to 120 days (mean, 84) for traditional wound care
group A. The time to wound healing ranged from 21 to 80 days (mean, 39) for
Apligraf group B, and from 36 to 110 days (mean, 62) for traditional care group
B. Apligraf treatment was simpler, with less time and resource utilization than
traditional wound care.
CONCLUSIONS: Apligraf significantly improves time to wound healing in patients
with leg and sternal wound complications and offers an attractive new treatment
alternative to traditional wound care.
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2003.09.032
PMID: 15276544 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
