ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and value of a novel borate-based bioactive glass fiber (BBGF) advanced wound matrix in the treatment of chronic wounds.
METHODS: Four patients with chronic wounds that had failed multiple prior treatments were identified and treated with the BBGF technology. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, and prior treatment history were obtained. Costs associated with prior treatments were estimated and recorded using available cost data.
RESULTS: The average wound duration prior to initiation of BBGF treatment was 391 days. All of the patients had a history of multiple failed interventions, including operative procedures, negative-pressure wound therapy, cellular and/or tissue-based products, dermal grafts, and synthetic wound matrices. Prior interventions resulted in an average estimated cost of $87,750 per patient. All of the patients achieved complete wound closure in an average of 55 days using BBGF treatment. Patients were treated with 3.3 applications of the BBGF product on average, with an average cost of $3,564. The use of the BBGF advanced wound matrix on initial presentation could have saved the healthcare system an average of $84,186 per patient and reduced wound duration by an average of 336 days.
CONCLUSIONS: The BBGF advanced wound matrix resulted in the healing of chronic wounds that had failed multiple prior interventions. In this series of challenging cases, BBGF accelerated healing while minimizing costs and improving patient outcomes. By offering an effective therapy at a low cost, BBGF has the potential to add significant value for both the healthcare system and the patient.