Note : Les revendications sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive
property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. ~A moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for
closing a wound on a patient, comprising:
an elongated, flexible air-permeable backing
member formed of a chemically inert material and having
opposite ends, first and second surfaces facing away from
one another and a length and width sufficient to secure
facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition to one
another, said backing member comprising a first portion
disposed between said ends and adapted to overlie the
facing edges of said wound, and second and third portions
disposed on either side of said first portion;
a moisture-curable surgical adhesive on at
least part of the first surface of said backing member
including said second and third portions thereof, for
adhering at least said second and third portions of said
backing member to the patient with the facing edges of
the wound in said close juxtaposition; and
a first removable protective member formed of a
chemically inert material releasably secured to said
backing member and covering said surgical adhesive;
whereby after removal of said protective member to expose
said surgical adhesive and application of said backing
member with the exposed surgical adhesive onto said
patient to secure the facing edges of said wound in said
close juxtaposition, said surgical adhesive upon curing
together with said backing member maintain the facing
edges of said wound in said close juxtaposition without
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the cured adhesive adversely affecting the flexibility of
said backing member.
2. A suture strip according to claim 1, wherein a
layer of said surgical adhesive completely covers the
first surface of said backing member.
3. A suture strip according to claim 2, wherein
said backing member comprises a canvas of chemically
inert material having at said first surface cavities
filled with said surgical adhesive.
4. A suture strip according to claim 1 or 3,
wherein said backing member is formed of a chemically
inert material comprising polyethylene.
5. A suture strip according to claim 4, wherein
said polyethylene is a low density polyethylene.
6. A suture strip according to claim 4, wherein
said polyethylene is a blend of low density polyethylene
and high density polyethylene.
7. A suture strip according to claim 1 or 3,
wherein said backing member is formed of a chemically
inert material comprising tetrafluoroethylene.
8. A suture strip according to claim 1, wherein a
plurality of spaced-apart dots of said surgical adhesive
are provided only on the second and third portions of
said backing member.
9. A suture strip according to claim 1, wherein a
plurality of spaced-apart dots of said surgical adhesive
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are provided on the first, second and third portions of
said backing member.
10. A suture strip according to claim 8 or 9,
further including a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the
first surface of said backing member between said dots of
surgical adhesive, and wherein said protective member
covers said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
11. A suture strip according to claim 8, 9 or 10,
wherein the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said dots of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50% of said predetermined area.
12. A suture strip according to claim 8, 9 or 10,
wherein the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said dots of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 15
to about 30% of said predetermined area.
13. A suture strip according to claim 1, wherein a
plurality of spaced-apart strips of said surgical
adhesive are provided only on the second and third
portions of said backing member, said strips of surgical
adhesive extending transversely of said backing member.
14. A suture strip according to claim 1, wherein a
plurality of spaced-part strips of said surgical adhesive
are provided on the first, second and third portions of
said backing member, said strips of surgical adhesive
extending transversely of said backing member.
15. A suture strip according to claim 13 or 14,
further including a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the
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first surface of said backing member between said strips
of surgical adhesive, and wherein said protective member
covers said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
16. A suture strip according to claim 13, 14 or 15,
wherein the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said strips of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50% of said predetermined area.
17. A suture strip according to claim 13, 14 or 15,
wherein the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said strips of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 15
to about 30% of said predetermined area.
18. A suture strip according to any one of claims 1
to 17, wherein said protective member comprises a film of
one of polyethylene and tetrafluoroethylene.
19. A suture strip according to claim 18, wherein
said polyethylene is a high density polyethylene.
20. A suture strip according to any one of claims 1
to 19, wherein a finger-grip tab is detachably connected
to said backing member at one of said ends thereof along
a tear-line extending transversely of said backing
member.
21. A suture strip according to claim 20, wherein
said first protective member is substantially coextensive
with said backing member along the length thereof and
said tab, and extends beyond opposite side edges of said
backing member and said tab.
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22. A suture strip according to any one of claims 1
to 19, wherein a second removable protective member is
releasably secured to said backing member and covers the
second surface thereof, said backing member being
disposed between said first and second protective
members.
23. A suture strip according to claim 22, wherein
said second protective member comprises a film of one of
tetrafluoroethylene and low density polyethylene.
24. A suture strip according to claim 22, wherein
each of said first and second protective members extends
beyond opposite end edges and opposite side edges of said
backing member to define respective first and second end
portions and first and second lateral portions, and
wherein the first end portions and the first and second
lateral portions of said first and second protective
members face one another and are releasably secured
together, the second end portion of said second
protective member facing the second end portion of said
first protective member and being partially unattached
thereto so as to define with the second end portion of
said first protective member a pair of finger-grip tabs.
25. A suture strip according to any one of claims 1
to 24, wherein said surgical adhesive comprises a
cyanoacrylate.
26. A suture strip according to any one of claims 1
to 24, wherein said surgical adhesive comprises a
cyanoacrylate in admixture with a stabilizing agent.
27. A suture strip according to claim 25 or 26,
wherein said cyanoacrylate is 2-octylcyanoacrylate.
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28. A suture strip according to claim 25 or 26,
wherein said cyanoacrylate is 2-n-butylcyanoacrylate.
29. A suture strip according to claim 26, wherein
said stabilizing agent is sulfurous acid.
30. A moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for
closing a wound on a patient, comprising:
an elongated, flexible air-permeable backing
member having opposite ends, first and second surfaces
facing away from one another and a length and width
sufficient to secure facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition to one another, said backing member
comprising a first portion disposed between said ends and
adapted to overlie the facing edges of said wound, and
second and third portions disposed on either side of said
first portion;
a plurality of spaced-apart rupturable
spherules secured to the first surface of said backing
member and disposed on at least said second and third
portions thereof, said spherules each comprising a
rupturable membrane formed of a chemically inert material
and encapsulating a flowable, moisture-curable surgical
adhesive, and being adapted to release upon rupture of
said membranes said surgical adhesive onto part of the
first surface of said backing member including said
second and third portions thereof;
a first pressure-sensitive adhesive on the
first surface of said backing member between said
spherules for adhering at least said second and third
portions of said backing member to the patient with the
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facing edges of said wound in said close juxtaposition,
prior to rupture of said spherules;
a first removable protective member releasably
secured to said backing member and covering said
spherules and said pressure-sensitive adhesive; and
whereby after removal of said protective member to expose
said spherules and said pressure-sensitive adhesive,
application of said backing member with the exposed
spherules and pressure-sensitive adhesive onto the
patient to secure the facing edges of said wound in said
close juxtaposition and application of pressure onto the
second surface of said backing member to cause rupture of
said spherules and release of said surgical adhesive
therefrom, said surgical adhesive flows on part of the
first surface of said backing member and upon curing
forms discrete bonding sites strengthening the adhesion
of at least said second and third portions of said
backing member to the patient and cooperating with said
backing member to maintain the facing edges of said wound
in said close juxtaposition without the cured adhesive
adversely affecting the flexibility of said backing
member.
31. ~A suture strip according to claim 30, wherein
said spherules are provided only on said second and third
portions of said backing member.
32. ~A suture strip according to claim 30, wherein
said spherules are provided on said first, second and
third portions of said backing member.
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33. A suture strip according to claim 30, 31 or 32,
wherein said spherules are secured to the first surface
of said backing member with adhesive.
34. A suture strip according to claim 33, wherein
said adhesive is said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
35. A suture strip according to claim 30, 31 or 32,
wherein said backing member is formed of said chemically
inert material and wherein the membrane of each said
spherule is integrally formed with said backing member.
36. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 34, wherein a portion of the first surface of said
backing member surrounding each said spherule is free of
pressure-sensitive adhesive for receiving the surgical
adhesive released from said spherule upon rupturing.
37. A suture strip according to claim 35, wherein a
portion of the first surface of said backing member
surrounding each said spherule is free of pressure-
sensitive adhesive for receiving the surgical adhesive
released from said spherule upon rupturing.
38. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 34 and 36, wherein said backing member comprises a
web of fabric material.
39. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 34 and 36, wherein said backing member is formed of
a polymer selected from the group consisting of
polyurethane and nylon.
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40. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 35 and 37, wherein said chemically inert material
comprises polyethylene.
41. A suture strip according to claim 40, wherein
said polyethylene is a low-density polyethylene.
42. A suture strip according to claim 40, wherein
said polyethylene is a blend of low-density polyethylene
and high-density polyethylene.
43. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 35 and 37, wherein said chemically inert material
comprises tetrafluoroethylene.
44. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 43, wherein said spherules each have a diameter
ranging from about 0.5 to about 3 mm.
45. A suture strip according to claim 44, wherein
said diameter is between 1 and 2 mm.
46. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 45, wherein the first surface of said backing
member has a predetermined area and wherein said
spherules define a total area representing from about l0
to about 50% of said predetermined area.
47. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 45, wherein the first surface of said backing
member has a predetermined area and wherein said
spherules define a total area representing from about 15
to about 30% of said predetermined area.
-30-
48. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 47, wherein said protective member comprises a film
of polyethylene.
49. A suture strip according to claim 48, wherein
said polyethylene is a high density polyethylene.
50. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 or 47, wherein said first protective member comprises
a sheet of wax paper.
51. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 50, wherein a finger-grip tab is detachably
connected to said backing member at one of said ends
thereof along a tear-line extending transversely of said
backing member.
52. A suture strip according to claim 51, wherein
said first protective member is substantially coextensive
with said backing member along the length thereof and
said tab, and extends beyond opposite side edges of said
backing member and said tab.
53. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 50, wherein a second removable protective member is
releasably secured to said backing member and covers the
second surface thereof, said backing member being
disposed between said first and second protective
members.
54. A suture strip according to claim 53, wherein
said second protective member comprises a film of one of
tetrafluoroethylene and low density polyethylene.
-31-
55. A suture strip according to claim 53, wherein
each of said first and second protective members extends
beyond opposite end edges and opposite side edges of said
backing member to define respective first and second end
portions and first and second lateral portions, and
wherein the first end portions and the first and second
lateral portions of said first and second protective
members face one another and are releasably secured
together, the second end portion of said second
protective member facing the second end portion of said
first protective member and being partially unattached
thereto so as to define with the second end portion of
said first protective member a pair of finger-grip tabs.
56. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 55, wherein said surgical adhesive comprises a
cyanoacrylate.
57. A suture strip according to any one of claims
30 to 55, wherein said surgical adhesive comprises a
cyanoacrylate in admixture with a stabilizing agent.
58. A suture strip according to claim 56 or 57,
wherein said cyanoacrylate is 2-octylcyanoacrylate.
59. A suture strip according to claim 56 or 57,
wherein said cyanoacrylate is 2-n-butylcyanoacrylate.
60. A suture strip according to claim 57, wherein
said stabilizing agent is sulfurous acid.
61. A moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for
closing a wound on a patient, comprising:
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an elongated, flexible air-permeable backing
member having opposite ends, first and second surfaces
facing away from one another and a length and width
sufficient to secure facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition to one another, said backing member
comprising a first portion disposed between said ends and
adapted to overlie the facing edges of said wound, and
second and third portions disposed on either side of said
first portion;
a first pressure-sensitive adhesive on at least
part of the first surface of said backing member
including said second and third portions thereof, for
adhering at least said second and third portions of said
backing member to the patient with the facing edges of
said wound in said close juxtaposition;
a first removable protective member releasably
secured to said backing member and covering said
pressure-sensitive adhesive, said protective member
having first and second surfaces facing away from one
another with the first surface facing the first surface
of said backing member; and
a plurality of spaced-apart rupturable
spherules disposed between said backing member and said
protective member and secured to the first surface of
said protective member, said spherules each comprising a
rupturable membrane formed of a chemically inert material
and encapsulating a flowable, moisture-curable surgical
adhesive, and being disposed on said protective member at
predetermined locations so as to release upon rupture of
said membranes said surgical adhesive onto part of the
first surface of said backing member including said
second and third portions thereof;
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whereby after application of pressure onto the second
surface of said backing member or said protective member
to cause rupture of said spherules and release of said
surgical adhesive therefrom, removal of said protective
member to expose said pressure-sensitive adhesive and
said surgical adhesive released on part of the first
surface of said backing member and application of said
backing member with the exposed pressure-sensitive
adhesive and surgical adhesive onto the patient to secure
the facing edges of said wound in said close
juxtaposition, said surgical adhesive upon curing forms
discrete bonding sites strengthening the adhesion of at
least said second and third portions of said backing
member to the patient and cooperating with said backing
member to maintain the facing edges of said wound in said
close juxtaposition without the cured adhesive adversely
affecting the flexibility of said backing member.
62. A suture strip according to claim 61, wherein
said spherules are disposed on said protective member
opposite only said second and third portions of said
backing member.
63. A suture strip according to claim 61, wherein
said spherules are disposed on said protective member
opposite said first, second and third portions of said
backing member.
64. A suture strip according to claim 61, 62 or 63,
wherein the first surface of said backing member is
coated with a layer of said pressure-sensitive adhesive
and wherein said spherules upon rupturing release said
surgical adhesive onto the coated surface.
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65. A suture strip according to claim 61, 62 or 63,
wherein a portion of the first surface of said backing
member opposite each said spherule is free of pressure-
sensitive adhesive for receiving the surgical adhesive
released from said spherule upon rupturing.
66. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 65, wherein said spherules are secured to the first
surface of said protective member with adhesive.
67. A suture strip according to claim 66, wherein
said adhesive is said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
68. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 65, wherein said protective member is formed of a
chemically inert material and wherein the membrane of
each said spherule is integrally formed with said
protective member.
69. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 67, wherein said chemically inert material
comprises polyethylene.
70. A suture strip according to claim 68, wherein
said chemically inert material comprises polyethylene.
71. A suture strip according to claim 69 or 70,
wherein said polyethylene is a high-density polyethylene.
72. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 69, wherein said protective member comprises a film
of polyethylene.
73. A suture strip according to claim 72, wherein
said polyethylene is a high density polyethylene.
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74. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 67 and 69, wherein said protective member comprises
a sheet of wax paper.
75. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 74 , wherein said backing member comprises a web of
fabric material.
76. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 74, wherein said backing member is formed of a
polymer selected from the group consisting of
polyurethane and nylon.
77. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 76, wherein said spherules each have a diameter
ranging from about 0.5 to about 3 mm.
78. A suture strip according to claim 77, wherein
said diameter is between 1 and 2 mm.
79. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 78, wherein the first surface of said backing
member has a predetermined area and wherein said
spherules define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50% of said predetermined area.
80. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 78, wherein the first surface of said backing
member has a predetermined area and wherein said
spherules define a total area representing from about 15
to about 30% of said predetermined area.
81. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 80, wherein a finger-grip tab is detachably
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connected to said backing member at one of said ends
thereof along a tear-line extending transversely of said
backing member.
82. A suture strip according to claim 81, wherein
said first protective member is substantially coextensive
with said backing member along the length thereof and
said tab, and extends beyond opposite side edges of said
backing member and said tab.
83. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 80, wherein a second removable protective member is
releasably secured to said backing member and covers the
second surface thereof, said backing member being
disposed between said first and second protective
members.
84. A suture strip according to claim 83, wherein
said second protective member comprises a film of one of
tetrafluoroethylene and low density polyethylene.
85. A suture strip according to claim 83, wherein
each of said first and second protective members extends
beyond opposite end edges and opposite side edges of said
backing member to define respective first and second end
portions and first and second lateral portions, and
wherein the first end portions and the first and second
lateral portions of said first and second protective
members face one another and are releasably secured
together, the second end portion of said second
protective member facing the second end portion of said
first protective member and being partially unattached
thereto so as to define with the second end portion of
said first protective member a pair of finger-grip tabs.
-37-
86. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 85, wherein said surgical adhesive comprises a
cyanoacrylate.
87. A suture strip according to any one of claims
61 to 85, wherein said surgical adhesive comprises a
cyanoacrylate in admixture with a stabilizing agent.
88. A suture strip according to claim 85 or 86,
wherein said cyanoacrylate is 2-octylcyanoacrylate.
89. A suture strip according to claim 85 or 86,
wherein said cyanoacrylate is 2-n-butylcyanoacrylate.
90. A suture strip according to claim 87, wherein
said stabilizing agent is sulfurous acid.
91. A moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for
closing a wound on a patient, comprising:
an elongated, flexible air-permeable backing
member formed of a chemically inert material, and having
opposite ends, first and second surfaces facing away
from one another and a length and width adapted to
secure facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition
to one another, said backing member comprising a first
portion disposed between said ends and adapted to
overlie the facing edges of said wound, and second and
third portions disposed on either side of said first
portion;
a moisture-curable surgical adhesive on at
least part of the first surface of said backing member
including said second and third portions thereof, in
spaced-apart discrete areas of said first surface;
a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the first
surface of said backing member between said discrete
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areas for adhering at least said second and third
portions of said backing member to the patient with the
facing edges of said wound in said close juxtaposition;
and
a first removable protective member formed of
a chemically inert material releasably secured to said
backing member and covering said surgical adhesive and
said pressure-sensitive adhesive;
whereby after removal of said protective member to
expose said surgical adhesive and said pressuresensitive
adhesive, and application of said backing member with
the exposed surgical adhesive pressuresensitive adhesive
onto said patient to secure the facing edges of said
wound in said close juxtaposition, said surgical
adhesive upon curing forms discrete bonding sites
strengthening the adhesion of at least said second and
third portions of said backing member to the patient and
cooperating with said backing member to maintain the
facing edges of said wound in said close juxtaposition
without the cured adhesive adversely affecting the
flexibility of said backing member.
92. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
said backing member is formed of a chemically inert
material comprising polyethylene.
93. A suture strip according to claim 92, wherein
said polyethylene is a low density polyethylene.
94. A suture strip according to claim 92, wherein
said polyethylene is a blend of low density polyethylene
and high density polyethylene.
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95. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
said backing member is formed of a chemically inert
material comprising tetrafluoroethylene.
96. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
a plurality of spaced-apart dots of said surgical
adhesive are provided only on the second and third
portions of said backing member, in said discrete areas.
97. A suture strip according to claim 96, wherein
the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said dots of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50% of said predetermined area.
98. A suture strip according to claim 96, wherein
the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said dots of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 15
to about 30% of said predetermined area.
99. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
a plurality of spaced-apart dots of said surgical
adhesive are provided only on the first, second and
third portions of said backing member, in said discrete
areas.
100. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
a plurality of spaced-apart strips of said surgical
adhesive are provided only on the second and third
portions of said backing member, in said discrete areas,
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and wherein said strips of surgical adhesive extend
transversely of said backing member.
101. A suture strip according to claim 100, wherein
the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said strips of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50% of said predetermined area.
102. A suture strip according to claim 100, wherein
the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said strips of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 15
to about 3086 of said predetermined area.
103. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein a
plurality of spaced-part strips of said surgical adhesive
are provided on the first, second and third portions of
said backing member, in said discrete areas, and wherein
said strips of surgical adhesive extend transversely of
said backing member.
104. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
said protective member comprises a film of one of
polyethylene and tetrafluoroethylene.
105. A suture strip according to claim 104, wherein
said polyethylene is a high density polyethylene.
106. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein a
fingergrip tab is detachably connected to said backing
-41-
member at one of said ends thereof along a tear-line
extending transversely of said backing member.
107. A suture strip according to claim 106, wherein
said first protective member is substantially coextensive
with said backing member along the length thereof and
said tab, and extends beyond opposite side edges of said
backing member and said tab.
108. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein a
second removable protective member is releasably secured
to said backing member and covers the second surface
thereof, said backing member being disposed between said
first and second protective members.
109. A suture strip according to claim 108, wherein
said second protective member comprises a film of one of
tetrafluoroethylene and low density polyethylene.
110. A suture strip according to claim 108, wherein
each of said first and second protective members extends
beyond opposite end edges and opposite side edges of said
backing member to define respective first and second end
portions and first and second lateral portions, and
wherein the first end portions and the first and second
lateral portions of said first and second protective
members face one another and are reeasably secured
together, the second end portion of said second
protective member facing the second end portion of said
first protective member and being partially unattached
-42-
thereto so as to define with the second end portion of
said first protective member a pair of finger-grip tabs.
111. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
said surgical adhesive comprises a cyancacrylate.
112. A suture strip according to claim 111, wherein
said cyanoacrylate is 2-octylcyanoacrylate.
113. A suture strip according to claim 111, wherein
said cyanoacrylate is 2-n-butylcyanoacrylate.
114. A suture strip according to claim 91, wherein
said surgical adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate in
admixture with a stabilizing agent.
115. A suture strip according to claim 114, wherein
said stabilizing agent is sulfurous acid.
116. A moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for
closing a wound on a patient, comprising:
an elongated, flexible air-permeable backing
member having opposite ends, first and second surfaces
facing away from one another and a length and width
adapted to secure facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition to one another, said backing member
comprising a first portion disposed between said ends
and adapted to overlie the facing edges of said wound,
and second and third portions disposed on either side of
said first portion;
-43-
a plurality of spaced-apart rupturable
spherules secured to the first surface of said backing
member and disposed on at least said second and third
portions thereof; said spherules each comprising a
rupturable membrane formed of a chemically inert
material and encapsulating a flowable, moisture-curable
surgical adhesive, and being adapted to release upon
rupture of said membranes said surgical adhesive onto
part of the first surface of said backing member
including said second and third portions thereof, in
spaced-apart discrete areas of said first surface;
a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the fast
surface of said backing member between said spherules
for adhering at least said second and third portions of
said backing member to the patient with the facing edges
of said wound in said close juxtaposition, prior to
rupture of said spherules;
a first removable protective member releasably
secured to said backing member and covering said
spherules and said pressure-sensitive adhesive; and
whereby after removal of said protective member to
expose said spherules and said pressure-sensitive
adhesive, application of said backing member with the
exposed spherules and pressure-sensitive adhesive onto
the patient to secure the facing edges of said wound in
said close juxtaposition and application of pressure
-44-
onto the second surface of said backing member to cause
rupture of said spherules and release of said surgical
adhesive therefrom, said surgical adhesive flows on part
of the first surface of said backing member in said
discrete areas and upon curing forms discrete bonding
sites strengthening the adhesion of at least said second
and third portions of said backing member to the patient
and cooperating with said backing member to maintain the
facing edges of said wound in said close juxtaposition
without the cured adhesive adversely affecting the
flexibility of said backing member.
117. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said spherules are provided only on said second and
third portions of said backing member.
118. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said spherules are provided on said first, second and
third portions of said backing member.
119. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said spherules are secured to the first surface of said
backing member with adhesive.
120. A suture strip according to claim 119, wherein
said adhesive is said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
121. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said backing member is formed of said chemically inert
-45-
material and wherein the membrane of each said spherule
is integrally formed with said backing member.
122. A suture strip according to claim 121, wherein
a portion of the first surface of said backing member
surrounding each said spherule is free of pressure-
sensitive adhesive for receiving the surgical adhesive
released from said spherule upon rupturing.
123. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
a portion of the first surface of said backing member
surrounding each said spherule is free of pressure-
sensitive adhesive for receiving the surgical adhesive
released from said spherule upon rupturing.
124. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said backing member comprises a web of fabric material.
125. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said backing member is formed of a polymer selected from
the group consisting of polyurethane and nylon.
126. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said chemically inert material comprises polyethylene.
127. A suture strip according to claim 126, wherein
said polyethylene is a low-density polyethylene.
128. A suture strip according to claim 126, wherein
said polyethylene is a blend of low-density polyethylene
and high-density polyethylene.
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129. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said chemically inert material comprises
tetrafiuoroethylene.
130. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said spherules each have a diameter ranging from about
0.5 to about 3 mm.
131. A suture strip according to claim 130, wherein
said diameter is between 1 and 2 mm.
132. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said spherules define a
total area representing from about 10 to about 50% of
said predetermined area.
133. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said spherules define a
total area representing from about 15 to about 30% of
said predetermined area.
134. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said protective member comprises a film of polyethylene.
135. A suture strip according to claim 134, wherein
said polyethylene is a high density polyethylene.
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136. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said first protective member comprises a sheet of wax
paper.
137. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
a finger-grip tab is detachably connected to said backing
member at one of said ends thereof along a tear-line
extending transversely of said backing member.
138. A suture strip according to claim 137, wherein
said first protective member is substantially coextensive
with said backing member along the length thereof and
said tab, and extends beyond opposite side edges of said
backing member and said tab.
139. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
a second removable protective member is releasably
secured to said backing member and covers the second
surface thereof, said backing member being disposed
between said first and second protective members.
140. A suture strip according to claim 139, wherein
said second protective member comprises a film of one of
tetrafluomethylene and low density polyethylene.
141. A suture strip according to claim 139, wherein
each of said first and second protective members extends
beyond opposite end edges and opposite side edges of said
backing member to define respective first and second end
portions and first and second lateral portions, and
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wherein the first end portions and the first and second
lateral portions of said first and second protective
members face one another and are releasably secured
together, the second end portion of said second
protective member facing the second end portion of said
first protective member and being partially unattached
thereto so as to define with the second end portion of
said fast protective member a pair of finger-grip tabs.
142. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said surgical adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate.
143. A suture strip according to claim 142, wherein
said cyanoacrylate is 2-octylcyanoacrylate.
144. A suture strip according to claim 142, wherein
said cyanoacrylate is 2-a-butylcyanoacrylate.
145. A suture strip according to claim 116, wherein
said surgical adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate in
admixture with a stabilizing agent.
146. A suture strip according to claim 145, wherein
said stabilizing agent is sulfurous acid.
147. A moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for
closing a wound on a patient, comprising:
an elongated, flexible air-permeable backing
member having opposite ends, first and second surfaces
facing away from one another and a length and width
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adapted to secure facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition to one another, said backing member
comprising a first portion disposed between said ends
and adapted to overlie the facing edges of said wound,
and second and third portions disposed on either side of
said first portion;
a pressure-sensitive adhesive on at least part
of the first surface of said backing member including
said second and third portions thereof, for adhering at
least said second and third portions of said backing
member to the patient with the facing edges of said
wound in said close juxtaposition;
a first removable protective member releasably
secured to said backing member and covering said
pressure-sensitive adhesive, said protective member
having first and second surfaces facing away from one
another with the first surface facing the first surface
of said backing member; and
a plurality of spaced-apart rupturable
spherules disposed between said backing member and said
protective member and secured to the first surface of
said protective member, said spherules each comprising a
rupturable membrane formed of a chemically inert
material and encapsulating a flowable, moisture-curable
surgical adhesive, and being disposed on said protective
member at predetermined locations so as to release upon
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rupture of said membranes said surgical adhesive onto
part of the first surface of said backing member
including said second and third portions thereof, in
spaced-apart discrete areas of said first surface;
whereby after application of pressure onto the second
surface of said backing member or said protective member
to cause rupture of said spherules and release of said
surgical adhesive therefrom, removal of said protective
member to expose said pressure-sensitive adhesive and
said surgical adhesive released on part of the first
surface of said backing member in said discrete areas and
application of said backing member with the exposed
pressure-sensitive adhesive and surgical adhesive onto
the patient to secure the facing edges of said wound in
said close juxtaposition, said surgical adhesive upon
curing forms discrete bonding sites strengthening the
adhesion of at least said second and third portions of
said backing member to the patient and cooperating with
said backing member to maintain the facing edges of said
wound in said close juxtaposition without the cured
adhesive adversely affecting the flexibility of said
backing member.
148. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said spherules are disposed on said protective member
opposite only said second and third portions of said
backing member.
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149. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said spherules are disposed on said protective member
opposite said first, second and third portions of said
backing member.
150. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
the first surface of said backing member is coated with a
layer of said pressure-sensitive adhesive and wherein
said spherules upon rupturing release said surgical
adhesive onto the coated surface.
151. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
a portion of the first surface of said backing member
opposite each said spherule is free of pressure-sensitive
adhesive for receiving the surgical adhesive released
from said spherule upon rupturing.
152. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said spherules are secured to the first surface of said
protective member with adhesive.
153. A suture strip according to claim 152, wherein
said adhesive is said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
154. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said protective member is formed of a chemically inert
material and wherein the membrane of each said spherule
is integrally formed with said protective member.
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155. A suture strip according to claim 154, wherein
said chemically inert material comprises polyethylene.
156. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said chemically inert material comprises polyethylene.
157. A suture strip according to claim 156, wherein
said polyethylene is a high-density polyethylene.
158. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said protective member comprises a film of polyethylene.
159. A suture strip according to claim 158, wherein
said polyethylene is a high density polyethylene.
160. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said protective member comprises a sheet of wax paper.
161. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said backing member comprises a web of fabric material.
162. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said backing member is formed of a polymer selected from
the group consisting of polyurethane and nylon.
163. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said spherules each have a diameter ranging from about
0.5 to about 3 mm.
164. A suture strip according to claim 163, wherein
said diameter is between 1 and 2 mm.
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165. A suture strip according to any one of claims
147 to 164, wherein the first surface of said backing
member has a predetermined area and wherein said
spherules define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50% of said predetermined area.
166. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
the first surface of said backing member has a
predetermined area and wherein said spherules define a
total area representing from about 15 to about 30% of
said predetermined area.
167. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
a finger-grip tab is detachably connected to said backing
member at one of said ends thereof along a tear-line
extending transversely of said backing member.
168. A suture strip according to claim 167, wherein
said first protective member is substantially coextensive
with said backing member along the length thereof and
said tab, and extends beyond opposite side edges of said
backing member and said tab.
169. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
a second removable protective member is releasably
secured to said backing member and covers the second
surface thereof, said backing member being disposed
between said first and second protective members.
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170. A suture strip according to claim 169, wherein
said second protective member comprises a film of one of
tetrafluoroethylene and low density polyethylene.
171. A suture strip according to claim 169, wherein
each of said first and second protective members extends
beyond opposite end edges and opposite side edges of said
backing member to define respective first and second end
portions and first and second lateral portions, and
wherein the first end portions and the first and second
lateral portions of said first and second protective
members face one another and are releasably secured
together, the second end portion of said second
protective member facing the second end portion of said
first protective member and being partially unattached
thereto so as to define with the second end portion of
said first protective member a pair of finger-grip tabs.
172. A suture strip according to claim 171, wherein
said cyanoacrylate is 2-octylcyanoacrylate.
173. A suture strip according to claim 171, wherein
said cyanoacrylate is 2-n-butylcyanoacrylate.
174. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said surgical adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate.
175. A suture strip according to claim 147, wherein
said surgical adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate in
admixture with a stabilizing agent.
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176. A suture strip according to claim 175, wherein
said stabilizing agent is sulfurous acid.
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