Kerecis Skin Substitute Answers
Kerecis is an intact fish skin which is homologous to human skin. It is minimally processed retaining it’s lipid composition and other natural skin elements that support wound management.
Other differentiating factors include:
Kerecis uses intact fish skin sourced from Icelandic cod, harvested from the clean waters of the North Atlantic. The cod is exclusively taken from stocks certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.
No. Kerecis fish skin products should be stored at room temperature.
The graft should be hydrated with sterile saline before application, then trimmed and shaped to fit the wound with minimal overlap. Once in place, it should be covered with a sterile secondary dressing.
No. All scales are removed through a gentle processing method that preserves the fish skin’s natural EPA content.
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Kerecis initially tested multiple species of fish for its wound healing product. While each fish has interesting benefits, Kerecis found that the North Atlantic Cod had the all-around best properties for wound management.
We realized early on that we needed a fish that was available fresh year-round and of the same size and thickness. The scale structure needed to be easily removable. Kerecis also wanted to ensure that the fish were harvested in waters that are highly monitored for heavy metals, radiation, and pollution.
The Wild Atlantic cod is a stable fish source year-round. It is readily caught by sustainable and environmentally safe methods, it can be processed for medical use, and the remainder of the fish is processed for human consumption, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Therefore, it fulfilled all the Kerecis design criteria without any negatives.
Kerecis has a porous dermal basement membrane which allows for multilayer communication.
When stacked the thin epidermal layer rapidly incorporates and allows for cell migration and contact between layers. Most of the cell ingrowth happens through the porous sides of the product and when stacked the multiple layers of the graft get cellular ingrowth 3 dimensionally.
Yes, good wound bed preparation is essential. Remove all biofilm, eschar, necrotic tissue, and slough prior to the application of Kerecis Products. A clean, lightly bleeding wound will optimize outcomes.
Trim the Kerecis product to match the size of the wound, ensuring it does not extend beyond the wound edges. Place it so that it reaches the wound margins and secure it with appropriate bolstering to maintain firm contact with the wound bed.
Kerecis has an epidermal scaly side and a dermal smooth side. We recommend applying the graft anatomically with the scaly side up for optimal cell ingrowth.
Yes, Kerecis can be cut wet or dry.
No, do not apply Kerecis to any wound with active infection.
Yes, if no other options are available. It is recommended that the contact layer be a non-adherent, silicone-coated polyurethane dressing. This will ensure good bolstering and an optimal wound healing environment.
Yes, if medically required. Due to the natural bacterial barrier properties of Kerecis, silver dressings are not necessary.
Silver can be absorbed by the Kerecis product, turning it brown or grey.
Yes, if necessary, to assist in managing excessive exudate. It is recommended to manage exudate utilizing highly absorptive dressings.
Yes, with careful consideration given to the need for a small amount of blood to penetrate the Kerecis product.
Yes, if no other options are available. Due to the natural bacterial barrier properties of Kerecis, Hydrofera Blue may not be necessary.
After careful assessment to rule out any signs or symptoms of infection and/or necrosis, darkened areas can represent old blood remaining in the wound bed. Carefully debride these areas away if there is no concern for infection and/or necrosis.
Kerecis is a medical device company that uses fish skin and fatty acids to develop products that help heal wounds, burns, and other tissue damage.
Kerecis Fish Skins intact structure provides a framework to support tissue regeneration, it’s naturally strong, handles like skin, and easy to suture or staple.
The fish skin is homologous to human skin and the chemical complexity of the fish skin supports cell ingrowth and vascularization.
Unlike human or bovine grafts, Kerecis fish skin has no known risk of disease transmission between species and does not require chemical cross-linking
Yes, Kerecis products are available for use in animal health under specific product lines.
Kerecis sources its fish skin from sustainably harvested wild cod in Iceland. The company prioritizes eco-friendly practices and zero waste in its production processes.
The cod used for Kerecis products are harvested for food, and the skin, which would otherwise be discarded, is repurposed for medical applications
The product is made from a fish source and should not be used in patients with a known allergy or other sensitivity to fish material.
Many Kerecis products are covered by insurance, depending on the country, healthcare system, and specific insurance plan.
Healing time varies based on the wound type and patient condition, but Kerecis fish skin has been shown to accelerate healing in many cases.
Kerecis products are typically available through healthcare providers, hospitals, and authorized distributors.
Yes, all Kerecis products are single-use and designed for sterile application to minimize the risk of infection.
Yes, healthcare professionals are trained to apply Kerecis products. The fish skin is typically hydrated, trimmed to the wound size, and secured with appropriate dressings.
No, the application of Kerecis fish skin is typically painless. It is designed to conform gently to the wound bed, minimizing discomfort.
Kerecis Fish Skins intact structure provides a framework to support tissue regeneration, it’s naturally strong, handles like skin, and easy to suture or staple.
The fish skin is homologous to human skin and the chimical complexity of the fish skin supports cell ingrowth and vascularization.
Yes, Kerecis products are backed by peer-reviewed clinical studies demonstrating their effectiveness in wound healing, burn treatment, and surgical reconstruction.
Kerecis invests in research, clinical studies, and training programs for healthcare providers to advance the science of wound care and surgical reconstruction.
Kerecis offers training sessions, workshops, webinars, and online resources for healthcare providers interested in using its products.
From the town of Ísafjörður in northwest Iceland, Kerecis develops, manufactures, and distributes patented fish-skin medical devices that support soft tissue regeneration in the body, with regulatory clearance in the United States, Europe, and beyond.