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Why Isn't Alloderm Sterile?

asked 1 year ago by Selden in Selden, NY
Latest answer by Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Question viewed 551 times
Tags: causes

Why isn't alloderm sterile?

6 answers to Why Isn't Alloderm Sterile?

+1

Aseptic versus sterile for Alloderm: A Concern?

The key issue regarding Alloderm and other acellular dermal matrix products is if they possibly contain transmissable infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria. The techniques involved in the preparation and processing of these materials destroys these living agents but does not destroy the tissue matrices which is important for their effective usage. Sterilization such as by heating would denature the proteins and render the products less effective or durable.
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

AlloDerm: Common Questions

AlloDerm is derived from human skin and has been deemed aseptic – meaning that it has been developed under sterile conditions. The tissue matrix lacks living cells which makes it less capable of eliciting an immune response. In essence, the AlloDerm acts as scaffold for integrating living tissues.
James M. Ridgway, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm

Excellent question.  AlloDerm is a tissue matrix used in reconstructive surgeries.  It is derived from human skin which is prepared through a complex enzymatic process which subsequently removes all cells and relevant immuno-reactive cellular components such DNA without disturbing the extracellular matrix. The type of processing utilized is deemed "aseptic". Reports of Infection as a "source" from Alloderm approach zero.   Regards, Glenn... more
Glenn Vallecillos, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm is aseptic not sterile because that would destroy the matrix

There are a number of products that are intended to compete with Alloderm, an acellular dermal graft. The proprietarty process that is used to create Alloderm removes all of the cells while preserving the collagen matrix, so that the body recognizes it as "self" and it is incorprated as living tissue. Sterilization damages the matrix so the other products provoke an inflammatory response. However, Alloderm is aseptic, and is not associated with any increased risk of infections... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sterility and alloderm

Selden, Good question.  It is not sterile, but is aseptic.  They process material via a proprietary technique that is not public knowledge to protect the market share of their product.  The sterility is generally not an issue and will certainly not transmit transmit viruses like HIV and others.  To sterilize it, I believe, weakens the material, but this is a guess.  This question has led some practitioners to choose Surgimend or other competing products for... more
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm and sterility

From my understanding, there is concerns about changing the composition of the tissue and a desire to leave it in its most natural state. Having said that, from the best of my knowledge, the processing, if followed, does render the vast majority of all known transmissible infectious disease harmless.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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