METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INHIBITING SCAR FORMATION
First Claim
1. A method of forming an incision in tissue, said method comprising:
- adhering right and left base panels of an incision closure apparatus to a surface of the tissue, wherein an incision is formed in the tissue surface between inner edges of the panels, and wherein the incised tissue edges are separated to perform a procedure, the inner edges of the panels being able to stretch and conform along with the tissue edges while an outer edge and lateral extent of each panel remain dimensionally stable;
securing a plurality of closure components to the right and left base panels to draw the inner edges of the panels back together; and
applying an adhesive between the inner edges of the panels between axially adjacent closure components.
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Abstract
Apparatus for closing a surgical incision include a base having left and right panels, a force distribution structure coupled to each panel, and a closure component which releasably attaches to the force distribution structure to draw the inner edges of the panels together in order to close adhered tissue edges. The force distribution structures allow the inner edges of the panels to expand while restraining expansion of the outer edges of the panels and limiting elongation of the lateral dimension of the panels. The incision closure apparatus may be placed on skin or other tissue prior to forming the incision to be available to close said incision at the end of the surgical procedure. The incision closure apparatus can provide a template for application of medical adhesive to the tissue after closure.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of forming an incision in tissue, said method comprising:
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adhering right and left base panels of an incision closure apparatus to a surface of the tissue, wherein an incision is formed in the tissue surface between inner edges of the panels, and wherein the incised tissue edges are separated to perform a procedure, the inner edges of the panels being able to stretch and conform along with the tissue edges while an outer edge and lateral extent of each panel remain dimensionally stable; securing a plurality of closure components to the right and left base panels to draw the inner edges of the panels back together; and applying an adhesive between the inner edges of the panels between axially adjacent closure components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for applying an adhesive to a surface, the apparatus comprising:
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an elongate stiff member having a bottom surface; an adhesive layer removably coupled to the bottom surface of the elongate stiff member, the adhesive layer having an adhesive bottom surface; and an absorbent liner removably coupled to the adhesive bottom surface of the adhesive layer. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A kit for forming an incision in tissue, the kit comprising:
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an incision closure apparatus comprising; a base including a left panel and a right panel, each panel having a tissue adherent lower surface, an upper surface, an inner edge, and an outer edge; a force distribution structure coupled to each panel, wherein each force distribution structure includes a spine disposed axially adjacent the inner or outer edge to limit axial expansion along the edge and a plurality of axially spaced-apart structures extending laterally from the spine toward the inner or outer edge to limit lateral expansion while allowing axial expansion along the edge; and
a closure component which releaseably attaches to the force distribution structure to draw the inner edges of the panels together after they are adhered to tissue on opposite sides of an incision; andan adhesive for application to the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification