HEMIGARD™
Provider FAQ's
PROBLEM:
Fragile skin cannot withstand suturing.
SOLUTION:
The HEMIGARD™ Adhesive Retention Suture (ARS) Device protects the skin from tearing when sutured. The HEMIGARD™ ARS Device allows a suture to be placed at midpoint of the wound that takes pressure off the subsequent sutures (i.e. retention suture) to prevent tearing during closure and in the post-operative period.i The device and suture can be left in place for up to two weeks.
COMMON BODY SITES:
- Forehead
- Temple
- Upper arm
- Forearm
- Lower leg
- Ankle
- Foot
HEMIGARD™ devices have even been used to repair wounds with ripped edges from the use of unprotected sutures!
Prepare
Cleanse and degrease skin as per IFU.
Adhere
Place HEMIGARD™ Adhesive Retention Suture Device with holes facing toward wound.
Suture
Place full thickness suture through reinforced holes of HEMIGARD™ Adhesive Retention Suture Device.
Finish Closure
Place additional wound closures supports (e.g. sutures, staples).
MECHANISMS OF ACTION:
The HEMIGARD™ ARS Device reduces stress at the wound edge. Simulated skin protected by a HEMIGARD™ ARS Device can withstand over 200% more retention suture tension prior to failure than unprotected simulated skin (see high stress zones in RED).
BEST PLACEMENT OF DEVICE:
The suture used to close the center of an elliptical wound is under SIX TIMES more force than subsequent suture.ii Use of the HEMIGARD™ ARS Device reduces this tension and expedites wound closure.iii
WHY NOT JUST USE ROUTINE MEDICAL DRESSINGS TO PROTECT SKIN?
The HEMIGARD™ ARS Device is a novel design that enables fragile skin being closed under tension without causing shear injury and blistering.
i Roybal, L., Blattner, C., Young, J. & Lear., W. (In press). A novel adhesive suture retention device for the closure of fragile skin under tension. JAAD Case Reports.
ii Lear, W., Roybal, L.I., & Kruzic, J.J. (2020). Forces on sutures when closing excisional wounds using the rules of halves. Clinical Biomechanics, 72, 161-163.
iii Lear, W., Roybal, L.I., & Kruzic, J.J. (2020). Forces on sutures when closing excisional wounds using the rules of halves. Clinical Biomechanics, 72, 161-163.