Use of Synthetic Electrospun Fiber Matrix in the Sealing of Tunneling, Undermining, and Cavity Wounds
Summary: This retrospective case series evaluated the synthetic electrospun fiber matrix (SEFM) in 9 patients with 11 complex wounds featuring tunneling, undermining, or cavities. All wounds underwent initial sharp debridement before SEFM application (particulate or sheet form), combined with various secondary dressings. Patients had significant comorbidities including osteomyelitis, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and malnutrition. The SEFM promoted rapid granulation and collapse of dead space, achieving complete resolution of tunneling/undermining in a mean of 17 days. Durable healing was maintained at 6–18 month follow-up with no recurrence in most cases. The matrix resisted enzymatic degradation in contaminated environments and conformed well to irregular wound topography, often avoiding the need for large flap reconstructions or amputation.
Key Highlights:
- Complete resolution of tunneling/undermining and cavities (mean 17 days)
- Avoided flap reconstruction or amputation in complex, comorbid patients
- Effective in traumatic, pressure, and iatrogenic wounds with osteomyelitis
- Authors: Thea Price, MD; Katie Meador, NP
Keywords: electrospun fiber matrix, tunneling wounds, undermining wounds, cavity wounds, Thea Price