Voyage Healthcare is partnering with MiMedx's Placenta Donation Program and the Maple Grove Hospital. MiMedx Tissue Services is a company that develops innovative bioimplants and has recently pioneered the use of donated placental tissue to treat difficult -to-heal wounds and soft tissue injuries. Continue reading to learn more about placental donation and its benefits.

About the Placenta

Eutherian mammals (excluding marsupials and monotremes) have a placenta. The placenta is an organ of the uterus that nourishes a fetus through an umbilical cord. When we look at this organ, the innermost layer of a placenta is the amniotic membrane (amnion). The amniotic membrane consists of individual tissue layers and is incredibly unique.

Historically, humans have been using amniotic membranes for various reconstructive surgeries since the 1900s. The reason amniotic membranes are gaining traction is how it acts during the healing process. Used similarly to that of a natural biological layer, it can help save a patient from harvesting their own tissue or using cadavers.

The Benefit of Amniotic Membrane

Most people don’t think about it, but placental tissue is beneficial to more than just a baby in utero. The placenta is comprised of multiple cellular components, one being the amniotic membrane, and is profitable even after delivery of the placenta. Today, there are a wide range of procedures that use the amniotic membrane to help with healing. Listed below are four treatments that can assist a patient in healing.

OPHTHALMIC APPLICATION - Ophthalmic surgery is the surgery of the eye, and the amniotic membrane can replace damaged ocular tissue. It’s used to treat chemical burns, ulcerations of the cornea, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and other eye-related excisions.

DENTAL APPLICATION - Surprisingly, dentistry is also using the amniotic membrane to treat gum disease. A layer of this tissue helps grow new cells and replace lost gum tissue from damage or disease. Without the amniotic membrane, a patient must go through a painful tissue harvest of their soft palate.

DIFFICULT-TO-HEAL WOUNDS - Ulcers and burns can be challenging to heal, but with the use of the amniotic membrane, these wounds can reduce inflammation and scar tissue, regenerate tissue growth, and enhance soft tissue.

SPORTS INJURIES - Prevalent in the sports world, sports-related injuries can weaken tissue. By delivering growth factors and natural proteins, amniotic membranes help heal micro-tears and reduce inflammation.

How Placenta Donation Works

There are a few steps we take to make sure a mother-to-be has all the information that she needs. In addition to written information available in the office prior to surgery, a MiMeds representative will answer any questions on the day of surgery. When a mother arrives for her scheduled cesarean, proper documentation is obtained and consent signed. Here's how placenta donation works:

1. If you have a planned c-section, discuss donation options with your provider.
2. Your provider’s office will get in contact with MiMedx to discuss your desire for donation.
3. You will need to sign formal consent papers which permit donation.
4. You will need to answer a set of questions regarding medical history, and any information obtained will be used solely for medical purposes.
5. Once you arrive at MGH for your planned c-section delivery, blood work will be done to complete serological testing.
6. Finally, after delivery, MiMedx (working with the delivery team) will recover the delivered placenta.

Who Can Donate Placenta To This Program?

Any expecting mother who has a planned c-section can donate their placenta, but must meet three requirements to participate:

1. The woman’s provider is a participating member of MiMedx's Placenta Donation Program.
2. There has to be signed consent documentation.
3. No disqualifying medical conditions from the donor mother.

MiMedx uses guidelines set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) to ensure there is no risk of infectious disease transmission.

Our New Partnership Can Improve Lives

We’re committed to giving our patients the best products and ensure the safety of those who receive them. A donation of the placenta tissue poses no risk to mothers or their babies, and there is no cost to donate. Donating to this charitable cause can improve the life of patients in need. For more information on contributing, check out these FAQ’s.

Our OB/GYN department at Voyage Healthcare is here to help you with all your needs. Request an appointment with us today!