Advanced Wound Closure Techniques Replacing Sutures And Staples

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Public Health;  Medical Devices
Article Date: 14 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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As the number of surgical procedures performed annually in the developed world increases, clinicians and healthcare decision makers are showing an increased interest in new methods for closing and sealing surgical wounds. The surgical wound care market is currently dominated by conventional bandages and dressings and surgical staples or sutures, but wound sealing techniques that rely on biomaterials, tissue engineering and biotechnology are methodically acquiring approvals for an expanding list of indications. These newer technologies represent a paradigm shift away from the traditional methods and training of surgical teams and as a result present special challenges for advanced wound closure market participants.

The trend toward faster, simpler closure techniques is being driven in large part by strides in the processing of proteins possessing natural adhesion properties. Biological sealants based on natural adhesion promoters such as fibrin, platelet gels, modified collagen, and recombinant proteins are gaining market share on synthetic sealants. These advanced closure and sealing products and techniques can save time and improve outcomes. Wound closure techniques based on energy methods such as ultrasound and radio frequency are also making inroads in this sector.

The surgical market for advanced wound closure products is expected to grow as an aging world population creates increased demand for all types of surgical intervention, particularly cardiovascular, orthopedic, urological, and dermatological procedures. The emerging generation of wound closure products and technologies, comprised of biologically-derived and synthetic sealants and energy-based wound closure methods, are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Burns represent a secondary growth opportunity for tissue sealants, particularly for positioning and bonding tissue grafts.

These findings are contained in a new and comprehensive report:
Advanced Wound Closure: Evolving Technology, Expanding Indications, which has been researched and written by Greystone Associates.

More information is available at www.greystoneassociates.org.

About Greystone

Greystone Associates is a medical and healthcare technology consulting firm providing services in strategic planning, venture development, product commercialization, and technology and market assessment.