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Alloderm Concerns - Possibility of Biological Material in Matrix?
In regard to alloderm, I am concerned that I would receive dermal tissue that would not be free of cellular components r/t human error in processing the matrix...is that an unrealistic possibility? Thus, I have some inertia in proceeding with my reconstruction revision.-M.A
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7 Doctor Answers |
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Selden
in Selden, NY
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Alloderm Cadaveric Dermis
Alloderm is an amazing substance made of the dermal matrix from cadavers. The obvious concern when it was invented was rejection since skin has very high immunogenic properties. The company claims that during the cleaning and washing, all of the cells are washed out and the dermis is left as just a matrix that promotes ingrowth of your own cells. I have never seen or heard of rejection but there are common minor complications such as seroma.
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Alternatives to Alloderm
Alloderm is one of the many acellular dermal matrices used in breast reconstruction
Acellular matrices are esssentially collagen scaffolds obtained from either human or animal sources.
They have been used with great success in the majority of patients.A small percentage of patients experience complications such as seroma and infection
For those patients who do not wish to have any form of dermal tissue placed in their bodies ,there are a number of synthetic scaffolds...
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Concerns about Alloderm and biological remnants
Concerns about acellular dermal matrix materials such as Alloderm containing biological remants are understandable. There have been no documented cases of transmission of disease caused by this problem. Alloderm and other ADM's have been extensively tested to ascertain any possibility of this occurring and their production is done with extremely rigorous and controlled methods.
The tremendous advantages that Alloderm offers in breast reconstruction should outweigh any theoretical...
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AlloDerm safety in breast surgery
AlloDerm and other acellular dermal matrix products have an excellent track record in terms of safety. In these products, the cellular components have been removed. Essentially, these products are a scaffolding of collagen. In experienced hands, these products can be used quite effectively in revisional or reconstructive procedures on the breast. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your concerns.
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Alloderm and potential for transmitting living cells
Alloderm and similar products (collectivley called Acellular Dermal Matrix) have a good track record of not transmitting disease or other disorders from the donor. The processing system removes/destroys all living cells and leaves behind a scaffold (or framework) that your own cells will fill in. While no medical product (or medication) is perfect, the potential donors for the tissue are screened and tested to assure that anyone with a transmittable disease would not be considered a donor....
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Alloderm does not have cellular components
Alloderm is a very useful material for breast reconstruction and other applications, as it serves as a template for your own tissue. In order for it to do this, 2 things are required: One, all of the cellular components have to be removed or the body will reject it like a transplant, and two, it has to retain the intact structure with everything but the cells. Alloderm is the only product in its class that does both, and it has been in clinical use for more than a decade with a very good...
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Alloderm is acellular human dermis but there may be other options
Alloderm is human dermis that is processed in a way to remove all biologic components. It is essentially a "scaffold" to allow your own tissue ingrowth. Your concern is a valid concern, but according to the company, the risk of error during processing to allow residual material could pass virus or make you sick would be almost impossible. I use alloderm commonly and understand the concern. Regardless, there are some other biologic materials that act similarly...
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