Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The retention suture apparatus is employed for maintaining a wound closed with a retention suture. The apparatus includes a relatively flat and stiff bridging member adapted to be placed across the wound. One end of the bridging member is adapted to have one end of the suture coupled thereto with the suture extending through the skin on one side of the wound, passing transversely to the wound under the skin and tissue and exiting from the skin on the other side of the wound such that its free end may engage the other end of the bridging member. A plurality of apertures are formed through the bridging member on each side of a central portion. The apparatus also includes a bowed resilient fastening member having hooks at its two ends and a wrapping projection extending transversely from its convex side. The free end of the suture is wrapped around the projection and then tied to the fastening member. The fastening member is removably coupled to the bridging member by straightening the fastening member to increase the distance between its hooks to allow its hooks to be inserted into a selected set of the apertures of the bridging member depending upon the tension on the suture desired. The fastening member then is allowed to resume its normal bowed shape to allow its hooks to securely engage the edges of the selected apertures.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim