Interfyl Connective Tissue Matrix
What is Interfyl® Connective Tissue Matrix?
Interfyl® human connective tissue matrix is a biologic injectable scaffold obtained from decellularized postpartum placental tissue to help the body’s natural ability to heal after an injury. It is available in solution and particulate forms to allow a variety of surgical and clinical applications. As opposed to steroid injections, Interfyl aids in the replacement or supplementation of inadequate or damaged integumental tissue - an enveloping or enclosing layer such as skin, membrane, or cuticle.
Interfyl offers a structural foundation for damaged, weak tissue. When injected, the cell-friendly Interfyl scaffold offers a conducive environment for cell attachment - the first stage in natural healing. Your cells migrate and attach to the Interfyl scaffold. The attached cells then assist with the healing and repair of damaged tissue. Unlike standard therapies, Interfyl® connective tissue matrix offers a native extracellular matrix for cell attachment.
What are Some of the Unique Features of Interfyl® Connective Tissue Matrix?
Some of the special features of Interfyl® connective tissue matrix include:
- Interfyl does not contain amnion and only contains a connective tissue matrix.
- Interfyl is the only connective tissue matrix filler obtained exclusively from the chorionic plate of the human placenta.
- Interfyl is minimally processed which helps retain the fundamental structure and functional characteristics of native connective tissue.
Indications for Interfyl® Connective Tissue Matrix
Your physician may recommend Interfyl® connective tissue matrix to fill irregular spaces or soft-tissue deficits resulting from trauma, wounds, or surgery when conservative treatment such as medication or corticosteroid injections have failed to provide satisfactory results. Interfyl may assist your body’s natural ability to replace or supplement a variety of soft tissue injuries. Conservative therapies such as steroid injections may offer short-term relief from pain and inflammation at the location of the injury, but they do not replace or supplement the damaged tissue as Interfyl.
What are the Precautions to be Taken Prior to Using Interfyl® Connective Tissue Matrix?
- Do not use Interfyl in clinically infected sites.
- The contents are sterile if the syringe/vial (container) is undamaged and unopened.
- Do not sterilize.
- Do not use lnterfyl for intra-arterial, intravenous, intrathecal, or intra-ocular applications.
- Once opened, lnterfyl must be used within 2 hours or disposed of per institutional procedures.
- lnterfyl must be used before the date of expiration mentioned on the product pouch.
Preparation for Interfyl® Connective Tissue Matrix
Preparation for Interfyl® connective tissue matrix procedure may involve the following steps:
- A review of your medical history and a physical examination is performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to the procedure.
- Diagnostic tests such as routine blood work to help detect any abnormalities that could compromise the safety of the procedure, and imaging such as MRI scanning to assess the gravity of the soft tissue damage.
- You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, numbing agents, or latex.
- You should disclose the list of medications or supplements you are taking, or any current illnesses or conditions you have such as heart or lung disease.
- You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, or other supplements, for a week or two.
- You should refrain from alcohol and tobacco at least a few days prior to the procedure and several weeks after, as they can hinder the healing process.
- You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- A signed informed consent form will be obtained from you after the pros and cons of the procedure have been explained.
Procedure for Interfyl® Connective Tissue Matrix
Interfyl® connective tissue matrix procedure may be employed for soft tissue injuries of the foot, knee, hip, shoulder, etc., such as tendon healing and regeneration. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:
- You will be asked to lie down in an appropriate position on the procedure table to facilitate Interfyl connective tissue matrix administration.
- The skin around the affected area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Your physician will numb the affected area and then insert a small needle to inject Interfyl solution in the region surrounding your injured or damaged tissue.
- Prior to placing Interfyl, the Interfyl connective tissue matrix goes through extensive screening and is processed according to the American Association of Blood Banks’ (AABB) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. The processed tissue is integrated into your body where it works with your body’s natural healing process to repair damaged tissue.
- When the numbness wears off, you may feel some pain for 24 to 48 hours as the Interfyl connective tissue matrix diffuses. Your physician may recommend some methods to assist with the management of any discomfort.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
In general, postoperative care and recovery after Interfyl connective tissue matrix for soft tissue wounds and injuries will involve the following steps:
- You will be transferred to the observation room where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic reactions and monitor your vital signs.
- After a few hours of observation, you will be discharged home on the same day once you are deemed stable.
- You may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the treatment area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed to address these.
- You may also apply ice packs to the treatment area to help reduce swelling and pain.
- You are advised to avoid high-impact activities for several weeks to facilitate healing.
- You should call your physician immediately if you notice any adverse effects from the use of Interfyl.
- A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
