collacone®

collacone® is produced of porcine dermis by a standardized, controlled purification process . The dermis is carefully cleaned by several wet-chemical purification steps, lyophilized and sterilized by gamma irradiation. The unique production process guarantees a safe end-product free from cells and chemical residues.
Collagen is a highly versatile material that, due to its low immunogenicity and superior biocompatibility and that of the degraded end-products, is widely employed in biomedical and pharmacological applications [1] The natural hemostatic function of the collagen together with its complete resorption make collacone® an ideal product to apply in fresh extraction sockets and cover wounds, helping control the bleeding and stabilizing the wound.

Damage to the blood vessel wall leads to subendothelial collagen release. The collagen directly or indirectly interacts with the surface receptors on thrombocytes. The binding of collagen initiates a reaction cascade leading to transformation and aggregation of the thrombocytes. Additionally, the thrombocytes are cross-linked by fibrinogen. The resulting (white) thrombus initially stabilizes the wound [2]. Accordingly, collagen membranes and sponges support the formation of a blood coagulum and contribute to a rapid stabilization of the wound area. Due to their hemostatic effect, collagen sponges and cones can be used for stabilization of biopsy harvesting sites or covering of minor oral wounds and extraction sockets, respectively.

Medication with anticoagulant drugs (i.e. heparin or warfarin) poses a risk for patients of bleeding following tooth extraction. Local hemostatic agents like collagen fleeces can prevent postoperative bleeding without the need to pause the anticoagulant therapy [3]. A retrospective study with 200 anticoagulated patients showed a very low rate of bleedings following application of collagen sponges (collacone® and Jason® fleece) in fresh extraction sockets [4].

The form-fitted cone shape of collacone® protects the wound area from entry of food and bacteria. Furthermore, the spongy collagen structure of the cone encourages coagulum formation and provides an ideal structure for the adhesion of thrombocytes, fibroblasts and osteoblasts. Fine blood vessels grow into and through the cone, connecting it to the surrounding tissue. Consequently, the preliminary tissue formed in the alveole is supplied with oxygen and nutrients and important signaling molecules supporting its bony regeneration.

Generally, dry application of the collacone® is recommended, because soaking or moistening prior to implantation may impair its hemostatic properties. At the defect site, the spongy cone rapidly soaks up blood. The collacone® maintains integrity in the presence of blood and during application.

Due to its hydrophilic properties and highly porous structure, the collacone® quickly absorbs blood. The collacone® can also be loaded with liquid antibiotics for application in infected sites. High resolution pictures show the spongy structure and three-dimensional fiber network of collacone®.

According to the early implantation procedure, the implant is placed after tooth extraction, before the bony regeneration takes place within the socket. Typically, an early implantation is performed about 4-8 weeks after tooth extraction; at this point, the healing of the soft tissue is completed and potential inflammations have disappeared. The natural healing of the socket may be supported by applying collacone® into the socket to support the stabilization of the formed blood coagulum and protect the wound area from food and bacteria. Although the bone volume is usually adequate after 4-8 weeks (since the resorption of the alveolar bone has not yet started), any existing bony defect of the alveole may be treated at the moment of implantation.