Why is a temporary heterograft (pig skin) used in burn treatment?

The use of a temporary heterograft, such as pig skin, in burn treatment is primarily associated with its ability to promote rapid epithelialization. When a patient suffers a significant burn, the skin's protective barrier is compromised, which can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. The heterograft serves as a biological dressing that helps to cover the burn wound, providing a surface for new skin cells to migrate over and allowing the underlying tissue to heal more effectively.

By facilitating the body’s natural healing processes, the temporary heterograft helps in reducing the time the wound remains open. This can help to minimize scarring and optimize the overall recovery process. The pig skin mimics the properties of human skin, offering a suitable environment for cellular activity and tissue regeneration.

While debridement of necrotic tissue, adherence through suturing, and the use of topical antimicrobials are important components of burn management, the primary objective of applying a temporary heterograft is to enhance the speed at which the skin can regenerate and re-establish its barrier function.