First application of genetically modified, live-cell, pig skin to a human wound. BOSTON – Burn specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) announced today they have successfully used live-cell, genetically engineered pig skin (xenograft) for the temporary closure of a burn wound.

Can you use pig skin for skin grafts?

First application of genetically modified, live-cell, pig skin to a human wound. BOSTON – Burn specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) announced today they have successfully used live-cell, genetically engineered pig skin (xenograft) for the temporary closure of a burn wound.

Why do they use pig skin for skin grafts?

With that in mind, scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) developed a genetically-modified line of pigs, back in the 1990s. Those animals lack a gene that is ordinarily present in pigs but not in humans, allowing skin grafts from the pigs to appear less “foreign” to a human patient’s immune system.

Is pig skin used in surgery?

Skin from pigs and other animals is already used for wound dressings, but these are first treated with chemicals or radiation and essentially dried out so their cells are no longer alive. “It’s basically a piece of leather,” says Cetrulo. “It’s dead, processed tissue.”

What are the 2 types of skin grafts?

There are two basic types of skin grafts: split-thickness and full-thickness grafts.

Can a third degree burn heal without a skin graft?

Skin grafting may have to be postponed until the burned area is healthier and ready to graft. Deep second and third degree burns that heal without grafts may have thick scar tissue, restricting the movement around the area. These burns take significantly longer to heal and there is an increased risk of infection.

Are skin grafts permanent?

Allograft and xenograft skin grafts are usually temporary. They cover the damaged skin until the wound heals or the person grows enough healthy skin to use for a permanent skin graft.

Why is pig skin used to treat burns?

At the Burn Unit of the Maricopa County General Hospital we have used a short-term biologic dressing of porcine skin to protect the partial thickness wound until it is completely healed and to aid the full thickness wound in the support of separation of eschar and in the development of granulation tissue prior to …

What part of a pig is used to human burn victims?

Xenograft or heterograft is skin taken from a variety of animals, usually a pig. Heterograft skin became popular because of the limited availability and high expense of human skin tissue. Wound coverage using heterograft is a temporary covering used until autograft.

Why is skin graft meshed?

The mesh incisions allow the graft to be expanded to cover large defects when donor sites are limited, provide a route for drainage of fluid from under the graft, and increase the flexibility of the graft, allowing it to better conform to uneven recipient beds.

Is Skin grafting major surgery?

Skin grafting involves removing damaged or dead skin tissue and replacing it with new, healthy skin. Skin grafting is major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

Is Skin grafting painful?

It may involve wearing splints and doing stretches and range-of-motion exercises. These may be painful, but they help you to heal properly. It may take months for you to regain some feeling in the grafted area. The feeling will be different than it was before your injury.