Current State of Selected Wound Regeneration Templates and Temporary Covers

Purpose of ReviewTo review four wound coverage options—xenografts, allografts, Integra®, and MatriStem™—and outline considerations to help providers select the appropriate cover.Recent FindingsXenografts were the first skin substitutes used to cover wounds. They are inexpensive but inherently less similar to native host skin than cadaveric allografts, the current gold standard for temporary wound coverage. Integra® is an established dermal matrix that provides permanent coverage by naturally integrating into the wound to create a neo-dermis. MatriStem™ urinary bladder matrices are recently available products designed to promote wound healing. They have shown promising, albeit limited, results in clinical studies.SummaryEach reviewed coverage option presents its own risk-benefit profile. The optimal choice for an individual patient depends on various wound- and patient-related factors that should be evaluated collectively. Adherence to wound management principles is paramount regardless of the coverage option. This review aims to facilitate the selection process for providers.