"The Use of ActiGraft, an Autologous Skin Graft, in the Treatment of Complex Diabetes Foot Ulcer - A Case Study"

Abstract

Chronic Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a complication associated with many comorbidities that can result in limb amputation and even death. ActiGraft, an autologous blood clot tissue, showed to be effective in cutaneous hard to heal wounds by promoting the natural healing process of the wound. We present a case of an ActiGraft treatment, applied weekly for 3 weeks on a complicated case of DFU exhibiting extensive necrotic tissue, exposed bone, tendons and fascia. Blood was withdrawn from the patient, at the point-of-care, to create a blood clot that was then placed on the wound. ActiGraft treatment showed promotion of extensive granulation covering the exposed bone and tendon, reduction of necrotic tissue, and decrease in wound area providing a prepared wound bed for skin graft application. ActiGraft was found to be a cost-effective treatment, providing optimal preparation of the wound bed in a complicated case of chronic DFU.