Use of Ovine Forestomach Matrix in the Treatment of Facial Thermal Burns

Abstract

Thermal burn injuries are common, devastating medical emergencies that are challenging to manage. Timely and effective treatment is paramount to both short- and long-term patient outcomes. Currently, medical providers and health care facilities worldwide are emphasizing the need for cost-efficient and accessible treatments; such treatments are particularly vital for vulnerable populations with limited access to advanced medical resources. The use of extracellular matrix (ECM) technologies has become widespread in the management of acute and chronic wounds, including burns. Ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) is an ECM bioscaffold isolated from sheep forestomach tissue and has been shown to be effective in soft tissue reconstruction procedures. The use of OFM in the treatment of 2 facial thermal burn injuries, including in a pediatric patient, is described. Both patients fully recovered from their facial injuries with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Although OFM technology is widely used in the management of acute and chronic wounds, the authors believe this to be the first published report of its use to aid healing in burns. Ovine forestomach matrix may provide a valuable additional tool for the management of complex burns.