Cultured Epithelial Autografts (CEA) & skin tissue engineering in burn injuries

Abstract

The current gold standard of treating deep burn injuries involves wound excision and grafting using patient’s own skin. This thesis examines the role and efficacy of skin tissue engineering, in particular Cultured Epithelial Autografts (CEA), in the treatment of patients with major burn injuries. It presents the findings from a clinical trial conducted over a period of three years at the state burns centre in Melbourne, Australia. In patients with major burns, skin tissue engineering may eliminate the problems associated with limited skin graft donor site, expedite wound closure, decrease hospital length of stay and save lives.