Preliminary Experience Using Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) Dermis Patches as a Biologic Agent for Wound Management After Neurosurgical Procedures

Objective: In the United States, chronic wounds affect more than 6.5 million people annually—a mean cost of $23,755 among neurosurgery patients. Current wound management solutions have disadvantages, including rejection, disease transmission from mammalian sources, and cultural issues prohibiting some products. Here, we describe preliminary use of xenograft tissue derived from axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) dermis for use in wound management after neurosurgical procedures. Methods: Our prospective database was retrospectively searched for consecutive patients who underwent wound closures using axolotl dermis patches (NeoMatriX, NeXtGen Biologics, Alachua, FL). Patient demographics, daily alcohol and tobacco use, radiation history, operation type, and antibiotic regimens postclosure were collected. Rates of postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, and wound revision or repeated irrigation were collected for outcomes assessment. Results: Twenty-three patients underwent wound closure with the patches. At least 1 comorbidity related to delayed wound closure was present in included patients: obesity = 8 (34.8%), diabetes = 3 (13%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease = 3 (13%), hypertension = 11 (47.8%), hyperlipidemia = 10 (43.5%), hypothyroidism = 3 (13%), benign prostatic hyperplasia = 3 (13%), human immunodeficiency virus = 1 (4.3%), cancer = 7 (30.4%), daily alcohol use = 4 (17.4%), and current smoking = 7 (30.4%). Wounds treated were from decompressive laminectomy, microvascular decompression, thoracolumbar instrumentation revision, and pseudoaneurysm ligation/resection in 1 (4.3%) patient each. Three (13%) patients had wounds from aneurysm clippings, 6 (26.1%) each from craniotomies and wound dehiscence treatments, and 4 (17.4%) from cranioplasties. Patches were applied for primary wound closure in 14 (60.9%) patients and secondary wound closure in 9 (39.1%) patients. Postapplication wound infection or wound dehiscence and/or revision occurred in 2 (8.7%) patients. Conclusions: Axolotl dermis patches support mammalian wound management, demonstrating favorable potential in improving neurosurgical wound closure and healing and overall outcomes.