Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
xenograft
Pronunciation: ZEE-no-graft
Temporary burn wound covering using tissue from another species, typically porcine skin.
Full Definition
A biological dressing made from tissue harvested from another species, most commonly pig skin, used as temporary wound coverage in burn patients. Xenografts provide immediate wound protection, reduce fluid loss, and decrease pain while permanent coverage options are prepared. These grafts are eventually rejected by the immune system but serve as valuable temporary biological dressings in extensive burn injuries.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from allograft (human donor tissue) and autograft (patient's own tissue).
In Context
- "Xenograft coverage was applied to the extensive burn wounds as a temporary measure." — operative note
- "The porcine xenograft provided excellent temporary coverage while awaiting autograft harvest." — clinical documentation
Also known as
heterograft
porcine graft
Contrasted with
autograft
allograft
Don't confuse with
allograft