Salvage of exposed autogenous lower extremity bypass using biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM)

Biodegradable temporizing matrix is a fully synthetic skin substitute increasingly used in staged reconstruction of complex wounds, although its application in vascular surgery has not been previously reported. This case describes a 60-year-old woman with multiple risk factors for poor wound healing who underwent an autogenous leg bypass ultimately complicated by exposure of the graft and patella. The bypass and limb were successfully salvaged using biodegradable temporizing matrix as a bridge to split-thickness skin grafting. Its unique characteristics make it a valuable adjunct when treating complex wounds and should be part of the vascular surgeon's armamentarium.