Allograft vs. Xenograft: Practical Considerations in Biologic Scaffolds

Activity Description
In the surgical setting, general surgeons must take many factors into consideration to optimize the outcomes of their procedures. Surgeons must choose from a variety of materials to replace bone, cardiac valves, and abdominal walls. There are many options for appropriate surgical material among synthetics and biologics. This monograph reviews the characteristics of allograft and xenograft biologic scaffolds, and presents the complex factors that a clinician should know when considering available options. Choosing the appropriate material can improve patient outcomes.

Method of Participation
The estimated time to complete this activity is 2 hours. To obtain credit, participants should read the objectives and newsletter, answer the multiple-choice post test questions, and complete the evaluation form online at to receive a certificate immediately upon completion.

Target Audience
This activity is intended for general and reconstructive surgeons and other healthcare professionals who are interested in the use of allograft and xenograft biologic scaffolds in reconstructive surgical procedures.

Educational Objectives
After completing this continuing medical education (CME) activity, participants should be able to:

Statement of Need
The content of this educational activity was determined by rigorous assessment of educational needs and includes surveys, program feedback, expert faculty assessment, literature review, and new medical knowledge.

Accreditation Statement
The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Editors

Garth Jacobsen, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery
Director, Hernia Center
University of California, San Diego

David Easter, MD, FACS
Professor of Clinical Surgery, Department of General Surgery
University of California, San Diego

Disclosure
It is the policy of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor. All persons involved in the selection, development and presentation of content are required to disclose any real or apparent conflicts of interest. All conflicts of interest will be resolved prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners through one of the following mechanisms 1) altering the financial relationship with the commercial interest, 2) altering the individual’s control over CME content about the products or services of the commercial interest, and/or 3) validating the activity content through independent peer review. All persons are also required to disclose any discussions of off label/unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Participants will be asked to evaluate whether the speaker’s outside interests reflect a possible bias in the planning or presentation of the activity. This information is used to plan future activities.

Dr. Jacobsen has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Speaker for USGI Medical; Consultant for LifeCell

Dr. Easter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Off-label Disclosure
This educational activity may contain discussion of unlabeled and/or investigational uses of agents that are not approved by the FDA. Please consult the prescribing information for each product.

Cultural Competency
This activity is in compliance with California Assembly Bill 1195 which requires CME courses with patient care components to include curriculum in the subjects of cultural and linguistic competencies. Cultural competency is defined as a set of integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enables health care professionals or organizations to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities. Linguistic competency is defined as the ability of a physician or surgeon to provide patients who do not speak English or who have limited ability to speak English, direct communication in the patient’s primary language. Cultural and Linguistic Competency was incorporated into the planning of this activity. Additional resources on cultural and linguistic competency and information about AB1195 can be found on the UCSD CME website at http://cme.ucsd.edu.

Supported through an educational grant from