PubMed · 16494288
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Hydrogels.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16494288/
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Microbial cellulose (MC) synthesized in abundance by Acetobacter xylinum shows vast potential as a novel wound healing system. The high mechanical strength and remarkable physical properties result from the unique nanostructure of the never-dried membrane. This article attempts to briefly summarize the recent developments and applications of MC in the emerging field of novel wound dressings and skin substitutes. It considers the properties of the synthesized material, its clinical performance, as well as progress in the commercialization of MC for wound care products. Efficient and inexpensive fermentation techniques, not presently available, will be necessary to produce large quantities of the polymer.
INTRODUCTION: In Germany, treatment costs for pressure ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer and ulcus cruris sum up to Euro 5 billion p. a. (cost of materials only). The question is to be answered how much money could be saved to sick funds, if the treatment is switched from traditional wound care, e. g. hydro-colloids to Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.). METHODS: Clinical studies are analysed with regard to complication rates and speed of wound healing V.A.C. vs. traditional. Daily costs and the length of treatment are then correlated and compared. RESULTS: V.A.C. therapy significantly reduces the time for the wound closing process, hospital admissions and complication rates. Despite higher daily treatment costs (cost of material, only), the V.A.C. therapy turns out to be the superior cost-effective method by far. Assumed V.A.C. therapy substitutes other methods by 50 %, sick funds could have saved Euro 0.7 billion p. a. DISCUSSION: The V.A.C. related saving potential is not available to sick funds because the approval process for home care use is still (Jan 2006) ongoing since 1999. The improvement of the relevant decision making process is strongly required to faster provide better care and savings at the same time.