Supported by an educational grant from Solventum, Medical Surgical Business.

This is a hands-on workshop. Pre-registration is required.

Learning Objectives:
• Examine the evolution of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and identify the latest advancements shaping current clinical practice
• Differentiate among NPWT technologies and apply an evidence-based, algorithmic approach to selecting appropriate therapies based on wound characteristics, patient needs, and care setting transitions
• Evaluate the science and clinical utility of novel peel-and-place dressings, including identifying wound types best suited for this technology
• Demonstrate advanced application techniques for NPWT, including instillation therapy, incision management, and the use of hybrid drapes
• Describe effective care transition strategies for NPWT, with a focus on optimizing outcomes using portable and adaptable technologies across acute and post-acute settings
• Analyze real-world case scenarios to explore the NPWT toolkit and implement step-down therapy strategies that support wound progression and closure

Join us to learn more about an antibiotic option that may help your patients with ABSSSI avoid hospitalization.

• Learn about the prevalence of skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs)
• The impact of SSSIs on the healthcare system
• Key insights on identifying appropriate patients for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and think outside the box for ABSSSI care.

Sponsor: Abbvie, Inc.

Supported by an independent educational grant from Urgo Foundation.

This is a hands-on workshop. Pre-registration is required.

Learning Objectives:
• Explain the importance of compression therapy as a standard of care in managing venous ulcers and phlebolymphedema, despite its underutilization
• Demonstrate knowledge of the “Three C’s” of effective compression therapy—consistency, continuity, and comfort—and recognize how advances in materials and application techniques can address these critical factors
• Assess the role of compression in controlling lymphedema and preventing further venous ulcerations, including its impact on peri-ulcer skin health
• Describe the emerging concept of the “Fourth C” (Cutis— a Latin name for Dermis) and articulate how compression therapy may positively influence skin microcirculation and dermal health beyond ulcer closure

Supported by an independent educational grant from Urgo Foundation.

This is a hands-on workshop. Pre-registration is required.

Learning Objectives:
• Explain the patient-centric drivers of wound infection today
• Determine if there are gradations of contamination that can be agreed upon, categorize the levels of microbes in the wound, and differentiate modes of treatment for wounds contaminated at various levels
• Assess current techniques, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, to determine levels of contamination and identify which method to use and when
• Determine the relationship between slough removal and infection control
• Explain the role of antimicrobial agents and how to critically assess their efficacy in the management of bioburden
• Examine new and emerging technologies for slough/debris/microbe removal, including hypochlorous acid-based cleansers and charged fiber technology for physical removal of slough
• Explore illustrative case studies on wound infection/slough management and apply current strategies

Join us for an in-depth discussion centered around the latest clinical evidence, featuring the newly released publication: “A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial Evaluating a Lyopreserved Amniotic Membrane in the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers” by Dr. Dhillon. Our esteemed panelists—representing the West Coast, East Coast, and a key region in between—bring a broad, national perspective and decades of clinical experience across all care settings, including Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs), Wound Care Centers (WCCs), private offices, and the operating room. Each faculty member incorporates Amniotic Membrane Products (CAMPs) as an integral component of their comprehensive wound care strategies, especially in the treatment of chronic wounds like VLUs. Do not miss this opportunity to gain practical insights, explore cutting-edge clinical data, and hear how CAMPs are advancing healing outcomes in real-world settings.

Session panelists: • Dr. Carleen Cho, a double-boarded vascular surgeon and the Director of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at LECOM Institute for Successful Living.
• Dr. Thomas Groner, a board-certified podiatrist and wound care specialist, currently the clinical director of the Aultman Alliance Wound Center in Ohio.
• Dr. Charles Parks, Chief of Podiatric Surgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, and a leading expert in limb salvage and lower extremity trauma.
• Dr. Jaideep Banerjee, Director Global Clinical Strategy & Medical Science Liasions at Smith - Nephew.

Sponsor: Smith+Nephew.

Recent consensus guidelines published in the Journal of Wound Care on Best Practices in Debridement 2024 highlight that wounds today often require more than one debridement method. This evolving approach, known as Integral Debridement, involves the strategic use of complementary debridement modalities on the same wound to deliver a more tailored, patient-centric approach to care. Integral Debridement not only personalizes treatment but also helps overcome limitations in scope of practice across care settings. The guidelines emphasize two critical challenges in wound care: the rapid reformation of microbial biofilms and slough—often within 24 hours post-debridement—and the need to enhance debridement efficacy with amplifiers such as pure hypochlorous acid, a wound cleanser offering an optimal therapeutic index to support healing. This concept of therapeutic index was formally included in the list of considerations for therapeutic wound cleansing in the 2025 IWII Therapeutic Wound Cleansing Consensus Guidelines. Join this expert panel as they explore how therapeutic wound cleansing, therapeutic index, and continuous debridement form the foundation of the Integral Debridement approach. The discussion will spotlight the synergistic role of UrgoClean Ag, with its proprietary charged fibers that continuously cleanse the wound bed throughout wear time, and Vashe, which supports debridement and sustains the therapeutic environment needed for healing. When used together, these concepts and technologies form a cohesive, evidence-based strategy—each enhancing the other’s impact. UrgoClean Ag and Vashe are stronger together, reinforcing the principles of Integral Debridement and delivering improved wound outcomes across multiple care settings.

Sponsor: Urgo Medical North America

Hard-to-heal wounds pose significant challenges to global healthcare systems, impacting millions of patients and incurring substantial costs. Recent advancements in extracellular matrices (ECM) wound dressing technologies have the potential to revolutionize wound care, offering significant opportunities to enhance outcomes. This two-part program first explores the science of wound healing and ECM. Second, a nitric oxide-generating dressing technology is introduced.

Sponsor: Convatec

This symposium brings together academic investigators, research leaders, and experienced clinicians to explore the role of Miro3D in managing complex wounds with volumetric tissue loss. With randomized clinical trials now underway and real-world registry data beginning to emerge, the session will highlight key learnings and the evolving evidence base for this unique three-dimensional wound matrix. Faculty will discuss clinical decision-making and treatment strategies in a range of high-risk wound types - including pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, and surgical dehiscence - while also providing a transparent look at the rationale, design, and early insights from ongoing prospective trials. Participants will also present real-world cases to contextualize early Miro3D experience and outcomes. Join us for a forward-looking discussion designed to inform real-world practice and illuminate the path toward high-quality, evidence-driven wound care using Miro3D.

Sponsor: Reprise BioMedical

Join us for an inspiring session at SAWC Fall where Cam Ayala—above-knee amputee and unshakable Texan—pulls back the curtain on his raw, redemptive journey through life with primary lymphedema and the grit it took to rise after amputation. With no script but with scars that speak louder than words, Cam takes us from hospital beds to hope, reminding us that pain might shape you, but it sure doesn’t define you. It’s not just a speech—it’s a soul revival for anyone who’s ever been told they won’t make it.

The concept of wound bed preparation has been discussed in various forums for 25 years, and continues to be an essential step to move a wound into a state of readiness to heal. This session will present the most updated definitions and guidelines to promote excellence in practice.

This presentation explores the intricacies and challenges in accurately diagnosing pressure injuries by distinguishing them from other conditions which may bear semblance to them on clinical examination. Using multiple actual clinical case studies, this discussion aims to equip the wound professional with the necessary tools, knowledge, and practical strategies to improve diagnostic accuracy and early detection of pressure injuries and avoid the pitfalls of misdiagnosis.

The delivery of wound care—including evaluation, treatment, and the current use of advanced modalities—within a patient’s place of residence has expanded significantly in recent years. This session will outline the foundational framework for providing mobile wound care services, discuss the advantages and common challenges providers groups face, and examine key regulatory and reimbursement considerations that influence care delivery in post-acute care settings.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, offering the potential to revolutionize wound management. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the various levels of AI, from basic algorithms to sophisticated deep learning models, and their applications within wound care. We will explore how these AI tools can assist clinicians in areas such as wound assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction. Crucially, we will delve into the critical questions that clinicians and patients should be asking about AI-driven wound management, including: How does this specific AI tool work? What are its limitations? How does it integrate with existing workflows? Furthermore, we will address the ethical and practical considerations surrounding AI implementation. A central focus will be on maintaining a "human-in-the-loop" to ensure clinical oversight and accountability. We will discuss strategies for managing quality control, preventing bias in algorithms and datasets, and ensuring that AI workflows demonstrably improve patient care rather than adding unnecessary complexity. Finally, we will explore methods for effectively influencing and shaping AI practices to maximize their positive impact on wound management and overall healthcare delivery.

Wound care is constantly evolving, and clinicians must adapt to an ever-changing landscape of patient complexities and clinical challenges. In this dynamic symposium, Dr. Paul Kim will discuss how shifting patient demographics, comorbidities, and evolving evidence necessitates updates to traditional treatment pathways for a variety of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and traumatic injuries. Dr. Nicolas Mouawad will present challenging real-world cases, demonstrating how adaptability and innovation are key to successful patient outcomes. Dr. Scott Boynton will round out the discussion by exploring advanced treatment approaches that support clinicians in optimizing wound healing across diverse patient populations.

Sponsor: MIMEDX

This innovative speech is to bring out the awareness to the fact that Type-I Collagen has all the ideal features to serve as a skin substitute with absolute biocompatibility with increased biological activity upon phosphorylation through cell signal transduction. It may be a bit complicated to understand the conceptual and technical advantages of this amazing molecule when used properly. Helicoll is a product that exploits the advantages of high purity Type-I Collagen matrix that could have the abilities to attract the stem cells for faster tissue repair & regeneration upon phosphorylation. This unique physiological modification of Type-I Collagen mimics the natural biochemical pathway incurring normally during the process of any wound healing and tissue remodeling.

This presentation is to bring out the awareness of the remarkable clinical features of Type I collagen as a skin substitute that offers ideal biocompatibility and enhanced biological activity through cell signal transduction pathways, particularly when phosphorylated. While the technical and conceptual benefits of this molecule may be complex, the resultant product, Helicoll, renders the highest clinical efficacy when applied properly. This highly purified Type I collagen matrix, designed to harness the advantages of biocompatibility. Upon phosphorylation, this product promotes faster tissue repair and regeneration that is evidenced through the infiltration of blood capillaries on day 4 & 5 after application. This unique physiological modification closely mimics the body’s natural biochemical processes involved in wound healing and tissue remodeling, making it a promising tool in advanced regenerative medicine.

Sponsor: Encoll

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) care has traditionally focused on moisture management, but this limited approach often neglects two critical factors: bacterial colonization and disruption of the skin’s natural acid mantle. Applying barrier ointments to compromised skin—without first addressing bacteria or pH—can trap pathogens and allow inflammation and degradation to persist beneath the barrier layer. This is more than skin irritation: incontinent patients are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop pressure injuries, highlighting the need for more comprehensive protocols. This session introduces a refined approach to IAD management that includes pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl) early in care. HOCl is a naturally occurring, non-toxic antimicrobial that not only reduces bacterial bioburden but also helps restore the skin’s acid mantle—promoting healing before barrier products are applied. Participants will explore the evidence, examine current protocol gaps, and learn how incorporating HOCl can elevate IAD care from protection to true prevention and healing, spanning adult to neonatal patients.

Sponsor: Urgo Medical North America

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that explores how clinicians are applying the latest clinical research, real-world evidence, and health economic insights to address the complexities of wound care. Our expert panel will share how they integrate the latest RCT and real-world clinical data with patient-centered care to improve healing outcomes of various wound types. The session will highlight and present data on how advanced therapies, like living human cellular and tissue products, are being used as barrier protection to support healing.
• Review the latest research and clinical evidence including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), Real-World Evidence (RWE) and the latest R&D benchtop data
• Review case studies and discuss clinical objectives and observed outcomes

Sponsor: Organogenesis

Your patients present with different functional needs and life complexities, which is why relying on a single tool for complex wound reconstruction may unnecessarily limit your practice. one-size-fits-all doesn’t help patients with different needs and complexities. Join us for a dynamic, interactive session where science meets strategy.

Sponsor: Integra LifeSciences

Caring for patients with diabetes mellitus and wounds is challenging. Having superimposed osteomyelitis adds to complexity of care. This session will discuss diagnosis as well as medical and surgical management of osteomyelitis and concomitant wounds in diabetic patients.

This session will delve into the recently released consensus document on infection prevention, biofilm disruption, and antimicrobial stewardship practices. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the latest strategies to combat microbial resistance, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. Panelists will address the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the importance of judicious antibiotic use while providing actionable guidelines for effective wound care management practices.

Diagnosing and staging a pressure injury needs to be done accurately. The accurate diagnosis and stage allow proper treatment. Many skin and soft tissue wounds are confused with pressure injury and when pressure injury is listed as the diagnosis, the facility may be penalized for that wound. This session will address the common errors in labeling pressure injury and its stage.

Supported by educational grants from Engineered Tissue Solutions, Kerecis, Medaxis LLC, Mölnlycke Health Care, NATROX Wound Care, Smith and Nephew, Stimlabs, XSONX.

Complex wounds present significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to achieve optimal healing outcomes. Successful management involves advanced techniques, individualized care plans, and ongoing evaluation to address underlying factors and promote sustained recovery. This dynamic, hands-on workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of innovative strategies for treating complex wounds. Participants will engage in practical demonstrations of state-of-the-art technologies—including enhanced wound care dressings, novel debridement tools, compression and negative pressure wound therapies, skin substitutes, and topical oxygen therapy—equipping them with the skills and confidence to apply the latest advancements in wound care.

Learning Objectives:
• Define complex wounds and identify contributing factors—such as comorbid conditions, infection, and tissue damage—that impact healing and inform treatment strategies.
• Describe the role of debridement in complex wound management, including its impact on wound bed preparation, infection prevention, and the promotion of healthy tissue regeneration.
• Evaluate the role of advanced dressings, skin substitutes, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and topical oxygen therapy (TOT) in promoting healing outcomes in complex and chronic wounds.
• Explain the role of compression therapy in managing complex lower extremity wounds, including its effects on circulation, swelling reduction, and wound healing.
• Demonstrate the application of enhanced dressings, novel debridement tools, compression therapy, NPWT, skin substitutes, and topical oxygen therapy to effectively manage complex wounds.

This session, in collaboration with the Amputation Prevention Symposium (AMP), discusses surgical and endovascular strategies used to treat ischemic lower extremity wounds, with an emphasis on critical limb ischemia (CLI). It begins with an overview of CLI, including its underlying mechanisms, clinical significance, and the rationale for timely intervention. Both surgical and endovascular treatment options will be discussed, including insight into the selection and application of each approach to support wound healing and limb preservation.

HMP Education, LLC has designated unrestricted educational grants from Boston Scientific, Cook Medical, and Shockwave® Medical Inc. for support of this session.

This session will delve into the reconstructive ladder and foundational principles of plastic surgery, highlighting the art and science behind tissue transfer. Through detailed case studies, we will explore a spectrum of reconstructive options—from skin grafts to local, regional, and free flaps—alongside the latest advances in wound care technologies. Emphasis will be placed on clinical decision-making and optimizing outcomes across diverse patient populations.

Matching the Support Surface to the Patient’s Needs
Moderator/Speaker: Michele Deppisch, PT, CWS, FACCWS

Part 1 of this presentation presents an exercise in balancing the assessment of patient risk factors and matching the performance characteristics of support surfaces to mitigate patient individual risk factors or target population risk factors while also considering the impact of clinical practices. The Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I) has developed a guidance document to assist the clinician in understanding the relevance of support surface standardized testing results in connection with clinical practice.

Creating Standards for Prophylactic Dressings
Moderator/Speaker: David Brienza, PhD

Part 2 of this presentation will explore emerging standards for prophylactic dressings developed through the Prophylactic Dressing Standards Initiative (PDSI). Attendees will gain insights into the key performance characteristics that influence a dressing’s potential to prevent pressure injuries and develop a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of comparative test results in this evolving area. The session will also provide an overview of the goals, methodology, and anticipated timeline of the PDSI, offering wound care professionals the foundational knowledge needed to support evidence-informed prevention strategies.

Providing an optimal environment to allow wounds to heal is critical. This includes optimizing nutrition. Beyond ensuring adequate protein and other nutrients are given to patients, diet may affect the GI microbiome. This session will provide an up-to-date review of the GI microbiome, how nutrition may affect the GI microbiome and what can a clinician do to improve patients’ healing.

Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) frequently present with a combination of arterial and venous pathology, creating challenges in diagnosis and treatment planning. This session will begin with a review of venous anatomy and key components of the diagnostic work-up. Attendees will then explore strategies for developing treatment algorithms when both arterial and venous wounds are present, followed by a discussion on managing significant postoperative swelling in the lower extremities. The session will conclude with a collaborative panel discussion offering multidisciplinary perspectives and practical clinical insights.

Pressure injuries remain a leading cause of litigation in healthcare, with clinicians and institutions often facing legal consequences despite best intentions. In this session, the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) will guide attendees through real-world legal cases and highlight risk factors, documentation strategies, and best practices to mitigate liability. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to protect themselves and their patients through evidence-based care and legally sound decision-making.

Supported by an educational grant from Organogenesis Inc.

Learning Objectives:
• Analyze the impact of psychosocial factors on wound care outcomes, including patient compliance
• Examine the principles of effective wound treatment by addressing underlying etiologic factors and focusing management on healing impediments rather than wound origin
• Analyze case outcomes addressing psychosocial factors and healing barriers, emphasizing their impact over wound origin

This Medical Innovation Theater session at the SAWC Fall Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada, is designed for wound care specialists and will focus on the rare inflammatory skin disease pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). The program will review the clinical presentation and differential diagnosis of PG, emphasizing key features and diagnostic strategies that support timely recognition. It will address the chronic, often relapsing nature of the disease and its long-term impact on patients, while also examining the burden of illness, management challenges, wound care considerations, and unmet clinical needs. The session will further explore the role of the IL-36 pathway in PG pathophysiology, illustrated through a case study on IL-36 inhibition.

Sponsor: Boehringer Ingelheim

This workshop will focus on providing clinicians with actionable tips, techniques, and insights for effectively applying compression therapy to difficult-to-treat legs. While clinicians may grasp the theoretical aspects of compression kits during training, applying this knowledge to complex, real-world cases can be a significant challenge. This session aims to bridge that gap.

Key Features of the Session: • Real-World Case Studies: Clinicians will engage with actual case scenarios that present unique challenges when applying compression therapy.
• Practical Tips and Tricks: Gain insight into proven methods and techniques for improving the success of compression therapy, especially in tough cases.
• Interactive Learning: The session will include interactive elements like live Q&A, trivia, and participant-driven discussion to reinforce key concepts and foster engagement.
• Tribal Knowledge: We'll highlight the most effective tips and tricks from experienced clinicians, providing real-world solutions that participants can apply immediately in their practice.

Sponsor: Urgo Medical North America

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is used as an adjunct to aid healing in selected chronic wounds. HBOT increases growth factors and local wound signaling, while also promoting a central stem cell release of endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow via nitric oxide pathways. Recently, oxygen delivery has expanded to include topical wound therapy and home hyperbaric treatments. This session will provide an overview of the mechanisms and uses for these therapies, along with updates to the supporting science.

Skin failure has been studied and is being used as a diagnosis by many clinicians. But what is it?

A wound specialist does not continue the same treament over and over again, over weeks to months, and expect different results. This session will review the literature on predictors of wound healing for chronic wounds. How and when to identify "nonresponders" to standard of care, and then when to add in advanced modalities such as topical growth factors, CAMPs, and biophysical modalities will be discussed, along with reimbursement requirements for these additional treatments.

This session provides healthcare professionals with essential knowledge for accurately identifying primary skin conditions, skin eruptions caused by infection, and both benign and malignant growths of the lower extremities. Participants will gain insights into delivering optimized treatment for a range of lower extremity disorders.

Supported by an educational grant from Urgo Medical North America.

Learning objectives:
• Define the concept of wound bed preparation and explain its role in the wound healing process
• Explain how clinicians can benefit from maintaining a clean wound bed between episodes of sharp surgical debridement—and, in some cases, facilitating wound closure without the need for sharp debridement
• Examine how wound bed preparation, utilizing specialized cleansers and advanced slough-removal technologies, contributes to optimizing the use of the reconstructive ladder
• Explore case studies that illustrate the multidisciplinary approach to wound bed preparation across diverse clinical settings, healing wounds without needless climbing of the reconstructive ladder to get to healing

Supported by an educational grant from Smith & Nephew.

Learning Objectives:
• Investigate the potential of collagenase in enhancing the pro-ECM response in chronic wounds through macrophage conversion to a fibroblast-like state.
• Evaluate the impact of advanced therapies utilizing placental allografts on health outcomes for chronic wounds, supported by recent big data research findings and optimal reimbursement strategies.
• Analyze the mechanism of action and clinical applications of single-use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) across the continuum and transitions of care.
• Explore illustrative case-studies leveraging a clean, cover, and close method, integrating advanced therapies for optimal healing outcomes.

Supported by an educational grant from Tides Medical.

Learning Objectives:
• Explore the potential of micronized adipose tissue for regenerative medicine, including how tissue micronizing devices function and the composition, properties, and applications of bioinks in 3D bioprinting for soft tissue repair.
• Assess current scientific research, device innovations, and clinical outcomes associated with the use of 3D-printed adipose tissue matrix grafts and future implications in wound care and reconstructive surgery.
• Analyze real-world case studies demonstrating the application of adipose tissue grafting techniques across diverse wound types and clinical treatment settings.

Supported by an educational grant from Kerecis.

Learning objectives:
1. Outline the biological properties and mechanisms of action of fish skin grafts, detailing their role in supporting wound healing across diverse clinical scenarios
2. Review the clinical evidence validating the use of fish skin grafts, highlighting successful outcomes via case studies
3. Explore the challenges associated with navigating patient access to advanced modalities, particularly within the evolving Medicare landscape
4. Explain the documentation requirements essential for securing coverage of advanced modalities and ensuring compliance

HS patients have a significant wound burden and are coming to your clinic but this time, they are on a new drug - do you know which new drugs and treatments are available for HS? In this session an update will be provided about advances in the research on HS. New insights into disease etiology will be presented. New treatments for HS will be reviewed as well. All done from the perspective of the wound healing specialist.

Moderated by a member of the SAWC Oral Abstract Review Committee, this session features podium presentations from four of the highest scoring abstracts submitted to SAWC. Each presenting author will discuss key results of their research followed by Q&A.

3:10 PM - 4:10 PM
NPIAP: Pressure Injury Healing: A 3-Legged Stool

Pressure injury, like all other wounds, needs multimodal management. The concept of a 3-legged stool has been used. This session will discuss how the 3 legs must be addressed: (1) remove the etiology of the wound, in this case alter the pressure applied to the injured skin and soft tissues (2) increase the protein and calorie intake to provide substrate for cellular reproduction and (3) apply the proper topical products to reduce or treat infection as well as promote tissue growth.

4:20 PM - 6:15 PM
Hands-On Skills Lab

Supported by educational grants from Baxter/Hillrom, EHOB, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, and Urgo Medical North America.

Learning Objectives:
• Identify the underlying etiology of pressure injuries and implement evidence-based pressure redistribution strategies to prevent further tissue damage.
• Assess the nutritional status of patients with pressure injuries and develop individualized dietary plans that enhance protein and caloric intake to support wound healing.
• Analyze appropriate topical therapies based on wound characteristics to control infection and promote tissue regeneration.
• Demonstrate the appropriate selection and application of prophylactic dressings, wound cleansers, debridement techniques, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the prevention and management of pressure injuries, based on current evidence-based guidelines.

Staying abreast of the medical literature is critical to providing optimal care.  This session will define, categorize, cellular, acellular and matrix-like products (CAMPs) and highlight the new literature in wound healing with a focus on publications related to CAMPs and landmark articles in wounds healing.  Attendees will learn about the definition, categorization of CAMPs along with new data and how it translates to patient care.

Offloading the ulcerated foot of the patient with diabetes presents challenges in the outpatient setting. While contact casting and offloading boots are the ideal standard, they are not always available and practical in real world practice. This session will look at alternative methods of offloading, specifically focusing on adhesive felt and a unique procedure referred to as a "football" wrap. Visual examples and patient cases will be presented.

Have you wondered about the role of biophysical modalities in wound healing? Are you looking for tips on how to integrate biophysical modalities into your practice? Join this session for a review of biophysical modalities and implementation tips.

There are significant benefits to taking a team approach to wound care, but how do you create this team to fit the needs of a patient population of low socioeconomic status with disparities in access and utilization? Join us as we discuss how the right team can build patient-confidence and renew their hope to heal.

This session will give attendees the ability to interact directly with authors over their research. Selected poster presenters will give a 3-to-5-minute summary of their poster, followed by Q&A from the audience. The interaction is meant to be collegial, not critical, with the goal of attendees learning from the poster presenters' experience and project.

In this session, attendees will review:
• Real World Experience – What’s Working?
• Skin Substitutes – What are the Differences?
• Practice Flow – How do you Optimize?
• Mobile Wound Care – How can you Succeed?

A Discussion Moderated by Dr. Michael Desvigne

Sponsors: Venture Medical and BioStem Technologies

This session will provide a comprehensive review of techniques for optimizing wound healing through the use of negative pressure wound therapy, ranging from basic to advanced approaches. Strategies for managing complex wounds will be discussed, along with the various devices available for different wound types.

Wound care specialists are familiar with the tenets of good diabetic foot ulcer care including off-weighting, debridement, infection control, and re-vascularization if needed. However, what new technologies can we offer our patients? This session will review new modalities in off-loading, local and advanced topical therapies, and treatments to be considered in caring for patients with DFU's.

Dr. Zomer's research focuses on advancing regenerative therapies for wound healing, particularly in aging populations. Her work investigates how the wound microenvironment shapes stem cell secretomes to optimize cell-free therapies and explores placental-derived factors to restore vascularization, stem cell function, and estrogen signaling in aged skin. Dr. Zomer's studies aim to overcome age-related barriers and develop targeted strategies to enhance skin repair.

Dr. El Masry's research focuses on regenerative wound healing for burn, chronic, and biofilm-infected wounds. Utilizing advanced imaging, large animal models, and innovative therapies, he developed an AI framework for precise burn depth assessment and novel treatments for post-burn facial contractures. He also explored novel approaches for treating hyperbiofilm infections. His work aims to enhance wound healing outcomes and tackle complex challenges through cutting-edge technology and translational medicine, bridging the gap from bench to bedside.

Advancements in wound diagnostics technology are reshaping how clinicians assess, monitor, and manage complex wounds in post-acute care settings. In this session, the Post Acute Wound & Skin Integrity Council (PAWSIC) will explore the practical integration of diagnostic tools—from imaging to sensor-based systems—within the unique constraints of long-term and transitional care environments. Attendees will learn how to leverage these innovations to support clinical decision-making, optimize healing trajectories, and improve documentation and outcomes.

In this session, a standard approach will be reviewed to make sense and demystify the diagnosis and treatment of atypical wounds. Then, review of the diagnosis and management of pyoderma gangrenosum and cancer-related wounds will be presented via a case-based discussion.

This session provides an in-depth exploration of the various types of stomas, highlighting their distinct anatomical and functional characteristics. Attendees will gain critical insights into selecting appropriate treatment modalities and management strategies for complex peristomal skin complications. The presentation will include a detailed analysis of challenging clinical cases, highlighting conditions such as peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum and irritant contact dermatitis. Through case-based learning, attendees will enhance their clinical reasoning skills and improve outcomes for patients with complex ostomy-related skin issues.

Developed in collaboration with the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders

Advocacy by wound care clinicians has positively impacted reimbursement for services, procedures, and provided to their patients. In this session, you will learn the latest reimbursement changes and will receive valuable implementation tips and how to prepare for audits.

Lymphedema is often under-recognized in clinical practice, leaving many providers uncertain about how to assess and intervene. This session will equip non-lymphedema-trained clinicians with practical tools to identify, differentiate, and manage lymphedema within the context of routine wound care—bridging knowledge gaps and promoting earlier, more effective interventions.

Learning objectives: • Understand how the latest scientific evidence and patient-centered approaches are transforming the wound care landscape • Hands-on product application in a wet lab environment with the Organogenesis portfolio to translate scientific knowledge into actionable skills

Sponsor: Organogenesis

Sponsors: AOTI and Compedica

This session will explore cutting-edge advancements in wound healing, including the emerging technology of bioprinted skin. Experts will discuss how these innovations are shaping the future of wound care, offering new possibilities for personalized and efficient healing.

Wound/ulcer management stakeholders frequently request that reimbursement educators address real-life reimbursement scenarios. The stakeholders typically want coding, coverage, and/or payment answers to their frequently asked question: “What if” I perform [this service, procedure, and/or product]? If reimbursement is important to you, do not miss this session that will include common real-life reimbursement scenarios along with answers to the “what if?” questions.

This session will address the clinical considerations when a wound fails to respond to conventional treatment modalities. It will investigate the possibility of a fascinoma and other atypical skin and wound manifestations. Attendees will gain insights into diagnostic approaches and advanced management strategies for these challenging cases, enhancing their understanding of complex wound care.

Alternative Reimbursement Models, like Value Based Care (VBC), are transformative healthcare models that shift focus from volume to value. WIth an increased prevalence in chronic diseases, an aging population and rising costs in healthcare, we continue to see an acceleration of these types of plans. Within the framework of value-based care, wound care could have several positions. These could have positive or negative results, depending on how the model positions the importance of wound care and the clinical guidance followed. This presentation will educate the audience on the key characteristics of alternative reimbursement models, the state they are currently in, and the integrating of wound care into these models, while still preserving the importance of quality of service for the patients.