DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN DERIVED ACELLULAR DERMAL MATRIX: NOVEL TECHNIQUE IN PANDEMIC TIMES

Abstract INTRODUCTION Tissue support is capital to achieve good results in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Radiotherapy, infection and trauma among others are frequent predictors of surgery failure as they decrease tissue healing capacity. Tissue mobilization is not always an eligible option as raising comorbidities in general population and elder patients are often seen in daily practice. Furthermore, the possibility of sequels in donor zones makes many surgeons be reluctant to use flaps, especially in aesthetic surgery. In aesthetic breast surgery, ADMs provide well known benefits such as reduced capsule contracture rate and improved inframammary fold in breast augmentation procedures METHODS A decellularization protocol is proposed by our group to obtain biocompatible ADMs from cadaveric donors. An experimental animal study is designed to assess the histocompatibility of the samples and the influence of the storage method. Biomechanical tests are also done to evaluate tissue performance after decellularization. RESULTS Histopathological studies showed no signs of acute nor chronic inflammatory response in experimental group. Normal fibroblasts growth without early apoptosis signs are seen in samples. Biomechanical properties ensure optimal load and tensile strength for most reconstructive procedures. CONCLUSIONS Current protocol proposed by our group include all steps from harvesting samples from cadaveric donors till matrix storage after decellularization process. The result is a high valued biomaterial in terms of biocompatibility and security profile available in pandemic times. Local production of this biomaterial leads to cost minimization derived from harvesting and manufacturing matrices in our center and avoid out-of-stock and storage issues.