# Bioresorbable Polylactic Acid Matrix for Chronic Non-Healing Wounds: First Clinical Experience in Europe

## TL;DR

A biodegradable polylactic acid matrix was used to successfully treat chronic wounds in elderly patients, achieving high healing rates without skin grafts.

## Contribution

This is the first clinical study in Europe evaluating a polylactic acid matrix for chronic wound healing under real-world conditions.

## Key findings

- Complete wound closure was achieved in 15 out of 16 chronic wounds (93.8%).
- The mean time to complete wound closure was 72.9 days.
- No skin grafting was required in any of the cases.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Bioresorbable polylactic acid (PLA) matrices have shown promise in supporting wound healing through their biocompatibility, tissue integration, and potential involvement in immune regulatory mechanisms. This study aimed to analyze the clinical performance of a PLA-based matrix in the treatment of chronic wounds under real-world conditions in a single-center setting. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with chronic wounds treated with the polylactic acid matrix at Evangelisches Waldkrankenhaus Spandau between February 2023 and February 2025. Wounds were surgically debrided in the operating room prior to matrix application. The matrix remained in place until resorption or detachment, with reapplications occurring at a mean interval of approximately 14 days. Data was anonymized and analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 14 patients with 16 chronic wounds were treated in this study. The mean patient age was 76.1 years. The most common underlying causes were ischemia and trauma, with an average wound size of 23.6 cm2. Complete wound closure was achieved in 15 out of 16 cases (93.8%), with a mean time to complete wound closure of 72.9 days. The average duration of hospitalization was 24.8 days. Conclusions: The polylactic acid matrix demonstrated a high rate of short-term wound closure in a heterogeneous cohort of chronic wounds, with a mean time to closure of 73 days and no requirement for skin grafting. Further prospective studies with standardized long-term follow-up are warranted.