Importance

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Abstract

A skin opening and closure device for surgical procedures incorporates elongated flexible locking strips having elongated locking means formed thereon which is adapted to be placed in interlocking assembly and capable of being separated and relocked, as desired. A plurality of half staples are provided, each of which is partially embedded within respective ones of the locking strips to thereby define staple assemblies. The half-staples incorporate curved, hook-like skin penetrating elements which retain the locking strips in positive hooked assembly with the skin to prevent inadvertent staple separation when the locking strips are separated. The half-staples are adapted to be bent intermediate the extremities thereof to establish a secure skin retaining relation with the skin of the patient to provide a secure closure at the surgical incision. In use, the half-staples of the device are brought into engaging assembly with the skin of the patient at the site of the intended incision. Thereafter, the locking strips are separated in zipper-like manner to expose the skin for incision. After completion of the surgical procedure, the locking strips are brought into interlocked relation by manual pressure or by zipper-like closure means to close the incision.

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First Claim