Importance

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Abstract

A retention suture apparatus 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. The apparatus also includes a fastening member having a main body and a band. The main body has a hook fixed at one end and a wrapping projection extending transversely from its upper side. A channel extends longitudinally outward from the central portion of the main body to the other end of the main body where the channel forms an opening. The band, which has a hook fixed to one end, may be located within the channel and moved to different positions to shorten or lengthen the fastening member. 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 locating its hooks in selected apertures of the bridging member.

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First Claim