COMPARATIVE CLINICAL-STUDY OF THE SURE-CLOSURE DEVICE WITH CONVENTIONAL WOUND CLOSURE TECHNIQUES

The Sure-Closure device, designed for wound closure, harnesses the viscoelastic properties of the skin. It has been used in clinical studies in the past. We have evaluated the role of this device in complex wound problems and compared it to closure achieved by conventional wound closure methods such as skin grafts and flaps. A total of 40 patients with multiple wound etiologies were examined. We used the device under local and general anesthesia. In addition, we performed cost analysis on the use of the device and compared this to traditional methods. We found a cost reduction trend associated with the Sure-Closure method (p < .05). All of the 24 patients in whom the device was used to close the wounds had complete primary closure. The device is also easy to use. When used for delayed stretching, as in some of our patients, the compliance rate was high.