Apligraf is supplied as a ready-to-use living fibroblast and keratinocyte bilayer in culture. This
therapy has been shown to facilitate healing of
venous ulcers and
diabetic foot ulcers. Several case reports suggest that
Apligraf may also be effective in healing acute excisional
wounds and complicated surgical defects.
Apligraf can, in appropriate settings, be used as an alternative to autografts, avoiding the morbidity of donor site
wounds. The present case review summarizes outcomes in 16 patients with 18 complicated surgical and nonsurgical
wounds treated with
Apligraf, which was meshed or fenestrated as needed to obtain better
wound coverage and to allow drainage. Of 16 patients, 15 (94%) experienced complete healing (16 of 18
wounds; 89%). Both surgical and nonsurgical
wounds responded well, with healing times ranging from 21 to 550 days. Patients generally stated that they were satisfied with their degree of healing and with the opportunity to avoid the
surgical procedures associated with autograft donor sites.