HEMIGARD®
Provider FAQ's
Problem:
Skin closed under tension is damaged by sutures.
Solution:
The HEMIGARD® optimizes the utility of sutures by protecting the skin from tearing and allowing sutures to be retained even longer.
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 each HEMIGARD® strip with holes facing toward the wound.
Suture (Bolster)
Place full thickness suture through reinforced holes of each HEMIGARD® strip.
Finish Closure (Support)
Place additional wound closures supports (e.g. sutures, staples).
Mechanisms of Action:
The HEMIGARD® disperses suture stress away from the wound edge. Simulated skin protected by a HEMIGARD® ARS Device can withstand over 340% more tension prior to failure than unprotected simulated skin (see high stress zones in RED).
Device Placement:
The suture used to close the center of an elliptical wound is under SIX TIMES more force than subsequent sutureii. Using the HEMIGARD® reduces this tension and expedites wound closureiii.
Why not just use routine medical dressings to protect skin?
The HEMIGARD® is a novel design that enables skin closure under tension without shear injury and blistering.
i Roybal, L., Blattner, C., Young, J. & Lear., W. (2020). 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.