Early Experience with Biobranetm for Definitive Coverage of Tangentially Excised Partial-Thickness Thermal Burns

Abstract

Biobrane^TM is a popular biosynthetic semi-permeable skin substitute conventionally applied onto non-excised partial thickness burn wounds to facilitate healing. The use of Biobrane^TM for definitive coverage after excision of partial-thickness thermal burns has not been reported. We highlighted our experience of immediate Biobrane^TM application for definitive coverage of tangentially-excised partial thickness thermal burn wounds in four patients. This technique is safe and efficient, minimizes painful and costly dressing changes, avoids the complications associated with autologous skin grafting, and eliminates the unpredictability of burns wound conversion. We believe this method expands the indications for Biobrane^TM usage, accelerates wound healing, and provides better aesthetic outcomes.

Keywords: Biobrane; Burns excision; Partial-thickness burns; Skin substitute; Wound healing.

Fig. 1

Case 1: (A): Right forearm burns on presentation. (B): The lateral aspect (1% TBSA) was poorly blanching after de-blistering and subsequently tangentially excized. Biobrane^TM was applied to all burns (excised and non-excised). (C): All wounds were healing well on POD 10. (D): Epithelization was complete by POD 15

Fig. 2

Case 2. (A and B): Right thigh and upper shin (6% TBSA) and left calf (4% TBSA) burns with sluggish capillary refill and areas of fixed-staining after debridement. (C and D): Tangential excision was performed, and Biobrane^TM was applied to the wounds. (E and F): The wounds were healing well on POD 7. (G and H): Epithelization was complete by POD 11