New Tissue-Engineered Wound Dressing

A parchment-like biomaterial wound dressing has been developed that is designed specifically for slow-to-heal wounds, such as those caused by chronic problems like diabetes.

The dressing is made from small intestinal submucosa (SIS), a naturally occurring, extracellular matrix comprised of natural growth factors and collagen, a protein that supports healing and provides strength to connective tissue. Called Oasis, the dressing has a natural structure and chemical composition that attract the patient's cells. In tandem with the patient's own natural healing process, it gradually repairs the wound with healthy tissue.

Oasis is the product of Cook Incorporated (Bloomington, IN, USA; www.cooksis.com). The company has used the SIS technology in two other medical devices, its Stratasis Urethral Sling for treating urinary incontinence and Surgisis Soft-Tissue Graft for soft tissue surgical repair. These products and Oasis have all been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).