Patent ID: 7413570
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A primary intention healing medical closure method for closing a wound comprising a separation of first and second tissue portions, which method comprises the steps of: said first and second tissue portions presenting respective first and second tissue edges, which extend into a depth of the wound including at least a subcutaneous layer; providing multiple flexible screens with outwardly-projecting prongs; configuring said prongs for retaining said tissue thereon; configuring each said screen for placement in said tissue separation; placing each said screen in said tissue separation and penetrating at least one of said tissue portions at the subcutaneous layer with said prongs; closing said tissue separation; providing each said screen with multiple, discrete clips having constructions chosen from among the list consisting of: stamped sheet metal; bioabsorbable; formed wire; providing each said clip with at least one of said prongs; providing each said screen with a panel comprising a flexible matrix mounting said clips; forming said matrix with multiple, flexible interwoven filaments; providing each said screen with a pre-installation enclosure assembly with front and back backing sheets mounted on opposite sides of said panel pre-installation; removing said backing sheets from each said screen exposing said prongs and engaging said tissue portions with said prongs; installing multiple said panels in said tissue separation; locating at least some of said panels adjacent to a skin surface with outer edges of said panels located exteriorly to the patient; covering said tissue separation with a dressing applied to the skin surface; providing a vacuum source; providing a tube; fluidically connecting at least some of said screens with said vacuum source via said tube; applying a negative pressure to said screens and thereby extending a vacuum into the depth of the wound to said tissue separation; draining said tissue separation with negative pressure; and closing said tissue separation by holding said tissue edges together substantially throughout said wound with negative pressure in combination with said panels.