Name of the Procedure:

Biovance, per square centimeter (HCPCS Procedure Code: Q4154)

Common name(s): Biovance application
Technical or medical terms: Human amniotic membrane allograft application

Summary

Biovance is a medical procedure involving the application of a processed human amniotic membrane. This procedure is aimed at promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration in patients with chronic or severe wounds.

Purpose

Biovance is used to treat chronic and severe wounds that are not healing properly. The goal is to promote faster and more effective healing of the wound by providing a protective barrier and supporting cellular growth and tissue regeneration.

Indications

• Non-healing chronic wounds
• Diabetic ulcers
• Pressure ulcers
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Surgical wounds that have failed to heal

Patient criteria:

• Patients with chronic wounds that have not responded to standard wound care treatments
• Individuals with underlying health conditions that impede normal wound healing

Preparation

• Clean the wound area according to standard wound care protocol
• Discontinue certain medications as directed by your healthcare provider
• Diagnostic assessments may include wound culture to rule out infection
• No specific fasting is required

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: A healthcare provider will examine the wound and determine the exact size and depth.
2. Cleaning: The wound is cleaned using sterile solutions to remove any debris or infected tissue.
3. Measurement: The exact area of the wound is measured to determine how much Biovance product is required.
4. Application: The Biovance graft is carefully trimmed to fit the wound and then applied directly onto the wound surface.
5. Securing: The graft is secured in place with a secondary dressing or bandage.
6. Follow-Up: The wound is monitored for signs of healing and any complications.

Tools and technology used:

• Sterile instruments for wound cleaning and measurement
• Biovance graft material
• Secondary dressings

Anesthesia or sedation: Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required for this procedure.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in an outpatient clinic or wound care center.

Personnel

• Wound care specialist or surgeon
• Nurses or medical assistants

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Allergic reaction to the graft material
• Incomplete or delayed wound healing
• Pain or discomfort during or after the procedure

Benefits

• Faster wound healing
• Reduced risk of infection
• Improved quality of life
• Potential for reduced scarring

Expected benefits can often be realized within a few weeks, but full healing time may vary depending on the size and severity of the wound.

Recovery

• Regular wound care and dressing changes as instructed by your healthcare provider
• Monitoring for signs of infection
• Follow-up appointments to assess wound healing progress
• Avoidance of activities that may disrupt the graft

Expected recovery time: Variable, depending on the wound size and patient's overall health. Generally, noticeable improvements can be seen within a few weeks.

Alternatives

• Standard wound care (dressings, topical medications)
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Skin grafts
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Pros and cons:

• Standard wound care and negative pressure wound therapy are non-invasive but may take longer to heal the wound.
• Skin grafts and hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be more invasive and costly.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel mild discomfort during the application.
• Some pain management may be necessary post-procedure.
• Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, with minimal restrictions.
• Comfort measures include proper pain management and careful wound monitoring.