Enhanced perfusion of elliptical wound closures using a novel adhesive suture retention device

Abstract

Background and Aims: The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that a novel adhesive retention suture device (ARSD) can increase perfusion at elliptical wound closures by distributing stress away from the suture site.Methods: Stress in the skin around a suture both with and without support from an ARSD was evaluated using a finite element model. A single-center, randomized splitscar comparison trial using laser speckle contrast analysis was used to quantify the perfusion at elliptical wound closures in human patients both with and without an ARSD. Results:The finite element model revealed that the ARSD promoted load transfer to the skin over a larger area, thus reducing the local stress and deformation in the skin around the suture site. Results from the split-scar study showed a mean improvement of 25% perfusion units with the ARSD, and the improvement was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusion:The reduction in local stress and enhanced perfusion around the suture site reveals the potential benefit of using an ARSD to enable more efficient healing by avoiding complications associated with both low perfusion and skin tearing, such as dehiscence, infection, and cheese wiring.

A novel adhesive retention suture device as an alternative structural support to the “drumhead” graft technique for alar defects

“…The ARS device has been shown to aid in the closure of fragile and high-tension wounds, such as those in the lower leg, by >80%. 2 , 3 The device, in its designed use, provides additional strength to the skin through external reinforcement, allowing it to sustain higher tension without ripping through the skin. 3 The device costs just over $40 for a pair of sterile strips, which are sold in boxes of 12 pairs.…”

“… 2 , 3 The device, in its designed use, provides additional strength to the skin through external reinforcement, allowing it to sustain higher tension without ripping through the skin. 3 The device costs just over $40 for a pair of sterile strips, which are sold in boxes of 12 pairs. The novel use of this device as an alternative to the traditional “drumhead” technique for deep alar repairs offers many advantages over the traditional inner suture packaging.…”