NO950008L - Apparatus for the closure of extensive skin defects when stretching the skin - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for the closure of wide skin defects that can be used with two long, interdermal needles designed for insertion under the skin near the edges of a skin defect. The skin closure apparatus may include two holding members (70, 71) formed as a flange connecting two legs (20) and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include either a sharp hook (23) or a blunt skin insertion member at the end of the leg, adapted to penetrate the skin and occupy one of the long interdermal needles. Alternatively, the holding portions may include appropriate engagement elements for receiving portions of the interdermal needles located above the skin surface. A contraction mechanism such as a screw (82) can connect the holding portions and bring the interdermal needles together, bringing the skin edges together until final closure of the skin defect occurs. One of the retaining members may be attached to the screw shaft, while the other may be releasably connected to the screw shaft by an integral locking mechanism (85). The skin closure apparatus may also include a clutch mechanism (110) designed to disengage the screw from a knob (85) or handle when a predetermined force is achieved or exceeded. Each holding member of the skin stretching device may include a base segment connected to a pivotal needle carrier by a flexible pivot segment (132). Each holding portion may also include a base segment carrying the skin insertion needles removably connected to the main portion of the skin stretching device. Each foundation segment may further include a male or female coupling (143, 144) to receive a coupling (146, 148) on an opposing foundation portion. The holding parts of the skin stretching device may also include skin insertion needles which can be positioned adjustably. The apparatus may further include a device for shielding (176) the sharp tips of the skin insertion needles.