Tissue-Engineered Dermis Graft

Abstract

For wound coverage, proper selection of the reconstruction method is a key to achieving successful results. A variety of artificial dermal substitutes have been produced and used in clinical practice to accelerate wound healing and reduce wound contraction. However, some authors reported that artificial dermis delay wound healing and procedures using artificial dermis often heal with an unsightly scar. The resultant wound contraction, which is an important clinical component, is not an uncommon problem. Because skin and soft tissue defects are usually created by trauma or surgical excision of tumors, the most common sites are exposed areas such as the face and upper extremities. For this reason, in many cases, cosmetic outcome should also be considered when selecting a treatment method. To minimize the limitation of using artificial dermis, tissue-engineered dermis comprising of cultured fibroblasts seeded on artificial dermis has been developed; some benefits include better graft take, enhanced epithelialization and vascularization, and reduced wound contraction. In this chapter, the author’s experiences with tissue-engineered dermis grafts based on cultured dermal fibroblasts or adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells are presented.