cultured dermal substitute
Laboratory-grown dermal tissue components used to replace damaged dermis in extensive burn injuries.
Full Definition
Cultured dermal substitutes are bioengineered materials created from patient or donor cells grown in laboratory conditions to replicate dermal architecture and function. These products address the critical shortage of donor sites in massive burns by providing dermal replacement that supports subsequent epithelial grafting. The cultivation process typically takes several weeks, requiring advance planning and patient stability. These substitutes may be composed of cultured fibroblasts in collagen matrices or acellular dermal matrices seeded with patient cells. Success depends on integration with recipient tissue and subsequent vascularization to support overlying skin grafts.
Usage
Usage note: Reserved for massive burns with limited donor sites; requires specialized facilities and advance planning.
In Context
- "The patient's massive burns required cultured dermal substitute due to insufficient donor sites." — surgical planning
- "Three weeks were needed to prepare the cultured dermal substitute from the patient's biopsy sample." — laboratory requisition