BANDE DE SUTURE ADHESIVE RETICULABLE PAR L'HUMIDITE

MOISTURE-CURABLE ADHESIVE SUTURE STRIP

Abrégé français

Bande de suture adhésive durcissable sous l'effet de l'humidité, destinée à refermer une plaie chez un patient, comprenant un élément de renfort allongé, flexible et perméable à l'air ayant des extrémités opposées, des première et deuxième surfaces dos à dos et une longueur et une largeur suffisantes pour fixer des bords de plaies en regard l'un avec l'autre en juxtaposition étroite. L'élément de renfort comprend une première portion disposée entre les extrémités et adaptée pour recouvrir les bords en regard de la plaie, et des deuxième et troisième portions disposées sur chaque côté de la première portion. Un adhésif chirurgical durcissable sous l'effet de l'humidité est prévu sur au moins une partie de la première surface de l'élément de renfort incluant ses deuxième et troisième portions, pour faire adhérer au moins les deuxième et troisième portions de l'élément de renfort au patient avec les bords en regard de la plaie en juxtaposition étroite. La bande de suture inclut en outre un élément protecteur amovible fixé de manière détachable à l'élément de renfort et couvrant l'adhésif chirurgical.

Abrégé anglais

A moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for closing a wound on a patient, comprises 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. The backing member comprises a first portion disposed between the ends and adapted to overlie the facing edges of the wound, and second and third portions disposed on either side of the first portion. A moisture-curable surgical adhesive is provided on at least part of the first surface of the backing member including the second and third portions thereof, for adhering at least the second and third portions of the backing member to the patient with the facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition. The suture strip further includes a removable protective member releasably secured to the backing member and covering the surgical adhesive.

Revendications

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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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;
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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.
-46-

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.
- 47 -

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
- 48 -

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
-49-

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
-50-

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.
-51-

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.
-52-

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.
-53-

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.
- 54 -

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.
- 55 -

176. A suture strip according to claim 175, wherein
said stabilizing agent is sulfurous acid.
- 56 -

Description

CA 02278967 2000-09-25
"MOISTURE-CURABLE ADHESIVE SUTURE STRIP"
The present invention pertains to improvements
in the field of wound closing. More particularly, the
invention relates to a moisture-curable adhesive suture
strip for closing a wound on a patient.
When closing a wound, it is necessary to join
and keep together the facing edges of the wound. If the
separated skin sections are sewn, unesthetical scars may
remain, and if they are stapled, such scars generally
remain.
Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives have been
suggested as an alternative to sutures. When a
cyanoacrylate adhesive is employed, the separated skin
sections are joined and the adhesive is applied on top of
the joined sections under sterile conditions. The
cyanoacrylate adhesive bonds to the skin and polymerizes
so as to keep together the joined sections. Although
cyanoacrylate adhesives successfully bind the skin, the
use of such adhesives as suture replacements can be
accompanied by occasional adhesion failure resulting in
wound reopening which requires closure by sutures. Fear of
wound reopening is one of the reasons physicians have been
reluctant to use any adhesive including cyanoacrylate-
based adhesives instead of sutures.
U.S. Patent No. 5,254,132 proposes a method of
treating suturable wounds by first suturing or stapling
the wound and then joining the skin between sutures or
staples with a cyanoacrylate adhesive. According to this
method, the wound is sutured or stapled so that the
sutures or staples are separated from each other by no
more than about 1.2 centimeter and no less than about 0.6
- 1 -

CA 02278967 2000-09-25
centimeter. 2-Butylcyanoacrylate is then applied to the
opposing and still separated skin sections between the
sutures or staples in an amount sufficient so that upon
polymerization the skin sections are joined; the
application is conducted so that contact of the
cyanoacrylate adhesive with the sutures or staples is
avoided. The adjacent separated skin sections are
thereafter contacted under conditions that permit the
adhesive to polymerize so as to join the separated skin
sections. Such a method is not only time-consuming and
requires particular skill to practice, but also delays
healing of the wound if cyanoacrylate adhesive penetrates
in between the skin sections.
Surgical adhesive plasters for closing wounds
are also known. These plasters generally do not have much
tensile strength so that their use is limited to shallow
wounds requiring little tension to close. Another major
disadvantage resides in their permeability to water,
causing the plaster to become unstuck upon contact with
water or moisture and thereby preventing the wounded area
from being washed.
U.S. Patent No. 5,259,835 discloses a wound
closure device that employs a porous bonding member
adapted to receive a flowable moisture-curable surgical
adhesive. The bonding member is positioned by a carrier
member which is used to achieve initial apposition of the
wound and which may later be removed. Since the adhesive
flows into the bonding member and the latter serves as a
matrix for the adhesive, the bonding member becomes rigid
as the adhesive therein undergoes curing so that it looses
flexibility. Part of the surgical adhesive also flows
through the bonding member and may enter into the wound.
- 2 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
It is therefore an object of the present
invention to overcome the above drawbacks and to provide a
moisture-curable adhesive suture strip for closing wounds.
According to one aspect of the invention, there
is provided 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, the backing member comprising a first portion
disposed between the ends and adapted to overlie the
facing edges of the wound, and second and third portions
disposed on either side of the first portion;
a moisture-curable surgical adhesive on at
least part of the first surface of the backing member
including the second and third portions thereof, for
adhering at least the second and third portions of the
backing member to the patient with the facing edges of
the wound in close juxtaposition; and
a first removable protective member formed of a
chemically inert material releasably secured to the
backing member and covering the surgical adhesive.
After removal of the protective member to
expose the adhesive and application of the backing strip
with the exposed adhesive onto the patient to secure the
facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition, the
adhesive upon curing together with the backing strip
maintain the facing edges of the wound in close
- 3 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
juxtaposition, without the cured adhesive adversely
affecting the flexibility of the backing strip.
Applicant has found quite unexpectedly that by
using a flexible and air-permeable backing member and
applying on one surface of such a member a surgical
adhesive, one obtains a suture strip which can be easily
and rapidly applied onto the patient to secure the facing
edges of the wound in close juxtaposition with one
another, without the adhesive entering into the wound and
delaying healing thereof. The adhesive upon curing
together with the backing member maintain the facing
edges of the wound in close juxtaposition, thereby
preventing adhesion failure and reopening of the wound.
Since the flexibility of the backing member is not
adversely affected by the cured adhesive, the suture
strip remains flexible and can thus follow movements of
the skin. The backing member is of course air-permeable
to enable the skin to breathe. Examples of suitable
surgical adhesives which can be used include
cyanoacrylates such as 2-n-butylcyanoacrylate and 2-
octylcyanoacrylate. The curing time of 2-n-
butylcyanoacrylate is about 30 seconds, whereas that of
2-octylcyanoacrylate is about 60 seconds. Preferably, the
surgical adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate in admixture
with a stabilizing agent such as sulfurous acid.
The expression "chemically inert material" as
used herein refers to a material which does not react
with the surgical adhesive to cause curing thereof during
storage of the suture strip. Examples of suitable
chemically inert material include polyethylene and
tetrafluoroethylene. When the backing member is formed of
polyethylene, use is preferably made of a low density
polyethylene or a blend of low density polyethylene and
- 4 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
high density polyethylene. The protective member, on the
other hand, preferably comprises a film of high density
polyethylene.
According to a preferred embodiment of the
invention, a layer of surgical adhesive completely covers
the first surface of the backing member. Preferably, the
backing member comprises a canvas of chemically inert
material having at the first surface cavities filled with
the surgical adhesive to provide an anchoring of the
backing member to the patient.
According to another preferred embodiment, a
plurality of spaced-apart dots of surgical adhesive are
provided only on the second and third portions of the
backing member. Preferably, a pressure-sensitive adhesive
is provided on the first surface of the backing member
between the dots of surgical adhesive, the protective
member covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive.
According to a further preferred embodiment, a
plurality of spaced-apart strips of surgical adhesive are
provided only on the second and third portions of the
backing member, the strips of surgical adhesive extending
transversely of the backing member. Preferably, a
pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on the first
surface of the backing member between the strips of
surgical adhesive, the protective member covering the
pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Generally, the dots or strips of surgical
adhesive define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50%, preferably from about 15 to about 30%, of
the area defined by the first surface of the backing
member.
- 5 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
According to yet another preferred embodiment,
a finger-grip tab is detachably connected to the backing
member at one of the ends thereof along a tear-line
extending transversely of the backing member. Such a tab
enables one to pull the backing member away from the
protective member and thereby remove the latter to expose
the adhesive on the backing member. After the suture
strip has been applied onto the patient s skin, the tab
is torn away. Preferably, the protective member is
substantially coextensive with the backing member along
the length thereof and the tab, and extends beyond
opposite side edges of the backing member and tab.
According to still a further preferred
embodiment, a second removable protective member having a
pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side thereof is
releasably secured to the backing member and covers the
second surface thereof, the backing member being disposed
between the first and second protective members. Instead
of using a second pressure-sensitive adhesive, it is also
possible to removably attach the second protective member
to the backing member by heat or pressure application.
Examples of suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives which
may be used include rubber or oil-based adhesives. The
second protective member preferably comprises a film of
low density polyethylene. Preferably, each of the first
and second protective members extends beyond opposite end
edges and opposite side edges of the backing member to
define respective first and second end portions and first
and second lateral portions. The first end portions and
the first and second lateral portions of the first and
second protective members face one another and are
releasably bonded together by the pressure-sensitive
adhesive or any other suitable method. The second end
- 6 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
portion of the second protective member faces the second
end portion of the first protective member and is
partially free of adhesive so as to define with the
second end portion of the first protective member a pair
of finger-grip tabs.
The present invention also provides, in another
aspect thereof, a moisture-curable adhesive suture strip
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, the backing member
comprising a first portion disposed between the ends and
adapted to overlie the facing edges of the wound, and
second and third portions disposed on either side of the
first portion;
a plurality of spaced-apart rupturable
spherules secured to the first surface of the backing
member and disposed on at least the second and third
portions thereof, the 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
the membranes the surgical adhesive onto part of the
first surface of the backing member including the second
and third portions thereof;
a first pressure-sensitive adhesive on the
first surface of the backing member between the spherules
for adhering at least the second and third portions of
the backing member to the patient with the facing edges

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
of the wound in close juxtaposition, prior to rupture of
the spherules; and
a first removable protective member releasably
secured to the backing member and covering the spherules
and the pressure-sensitive adhesive.
After removal of the protective member to
expose the spherules and the pressure-sensitive adhesive,
l0 application of the backing member with the exposed
spherules and pressure-sensitive adhesive onto the
patient to secure the facing edges of said wound in close
juxtaposition and application of pressure onto the second
surface of the backing member to cause rupture of the
spherules and release of the surgical adhesive therefrom,
the surgical adhesive flows on part of the first surface
of the backing member and upon curing forms discrete
bonding sites strengthening the adhesion of at least the
second and third portions of the backing member to the
patient and cooperating with the backing member to
maintain the facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition without the cured adhesive adversely
affecting the flexibility of the backing member.
The above suture strip featuring rupturable
spherules comprising a rupturable membrane formed of a
chemically inert material and encapsulating the surgical
adhesive avoids having to use a backing member and a
protective member formed of a chemically inert material.
For example, the backing member can be formed of
polyurethane or nylon. Use can also be made of a backing
member comprising a web of fabric material. The
protective member, on the other hand, can comprise a
sheet of wax paper. However, a protective member
_ g _

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
comprising a film of high density polyethylene is
preferred.
According to a preferred embodiment, the
spherules are provided only on the second and third
portions of the backing member.
According to another preferred embodiment, a
portion of the first surface of the backing member
surrounding each spherule is free of pressure-sensitive
adhesive for receiving the surgical adhesive released
from the spherule upon rupturing.
Instead of securing the spherules to the
backing member, it is possible to secure the spherules to
the protective member. The present invention therefore
provides, in a further aspect thereof, a moisture-curable
adhesive suture strip 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, the backing member
comprising a first portion disposed between the ends and
adapted to overlie the facing edges of the wound, and
second and third portions disposed on either side of the
first portion;
a first pressure-sensitive adhesive on at least
part of the first surface of the backing member including
the second and third portions thereof, for adhering at
least the second and third portions of the backing member
to the patient with the facing edges of the wound in
close juxtaposition;
_ g _

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
a first removable protective member releasably
secured to the backing member and covering the pressure-
sensitive adhesive, the protective member having first
and second surfaces facing away from one another with the
first surface facing the first surface of the backing
member; and
a plurality of spaced-apart rupturable
spherules disposed between the backing member and the
protective member and secured to the first surface of the
protective member, the spherules each comprising a
rupturable membrane formed of a chemically inert material
and encapsulating a flowable, moisture-curable surgical
adhesive, and being disposed on the protective member at
predetermined locations so as to release upon rupture of
the membranes the surgical adhesive onto part of the
first surface of the backing member including the second
and third portions thereof.
After application of pressure onto the second
surface of the backing member or protective member to
cause rupture of the spherules and release of the
surgical adhesive therefrom, removal of the protective
member to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the
surgical adhesive released on part of the first surface
of the backing member and application of the backing
member with the exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive and
surgical adhesive onto the patient to secure the facing
edges of the wound in close juxtaposition, the surgical
adhesive upon curing forms discrete bonding sites
strengthening the adhesion of at least the second and
third portions of the backing member to the patient and
cooperating with the backing member to maintain the
facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition without
- 10 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
the cured adhesive adversely affecting the flexibility of
the backing member.
According to a preferred embodiment, the
spherules are disposed on the protective member opposite
only the second and third portions of the backing member.
According to another preferred embodiment, a
portion of the first surface of the backing member
opposite each spherule is free of pressure-sensitive
adhesive for receiving the surgical adhesive released
from the spherule upon rupturing.
According to yet another preferred embodiment,
the spherules whether secured to the backing member or
protective member have a diameter ranging from about 0.5
to about 3 mm, preferably from 1 to 2 mm. Generally, the
spherules define a total area representing from about 10
to about 50%, preferably from about 15 to about 30%, of
the area defined by the first surface of the backing
member.
Further features and advantages of the present
invention will become more readily apparent from the
following description of preferred embodiments as
illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying
drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a moisture-
curable adhesive suture strip according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line
2-2 of Fig. 1;
- 11 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
Figure 3 is a perspective view of moisture-
curable adhesive suture strip according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a moisture-
curable adhesive suture strip according to a further
preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line
5-5 of Fig. 4;
Figure 6 is a view illustrating how the lower
protective member is peeled-off the suture .strip of
Fig. 4 to expose the adhesive coating on the backing
strip;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of a
backing member according to a preferred embodiment, shown
provided with a plurality of spaced-apart dots of
surgical adhesive;
Figure 8 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of a
backing member according to another preferred embodiment,
shown also provided with a plurality of spaced-apart dots
of surgical adhesive;
Figure 9 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of a
backing member according to a further preferred
embodiment, shown provided with a plurality of spaced-
apart strips of surgical adhesive;
Figure 10 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of
a backing member according to yet another preferred
embodiment, shown also provided with a plurality of
spaced-apart strip of surgical adhesive;
- 12 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
Figure 11 is a partial sectional view of a
suture strip according to yet another preferred
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is a partial sectional view of a
suture strip according to still another preferred
embodiment of the invention;
l0 Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the suture
strip illustrated in Fig. 11 or 12 and shown without its
protective member;
Figure 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13, showing
a variant of the suture strip illustrated in Fig. 11 or
12.
Figure 15 is a partial bottom plan view of
another variant of the suture strip illustrated in Fig.
11 or 12 and shown without its protective member;
Figure 16 is a partial sectional view of a
suture strip according to yet a further preferred
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 17 is a partial sectional view of a
suture strip according to still a further preferred
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 18 is a top plan view of the protective
member illustrated in Fig. 16 or 17, and shown provided
with a plurality of spaced-apart spherules;
Figure 19 is a view similar to Fig. 18, showing
a different arrangement of the spherules; and
- 13 -

CA 02278967 1999-07-28
Figures 20 and 21 are views similar to Figs. 16
and 17, showing variants of the suture strip.
Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, there is
illustrated a moisture-curable adhesive suture strip
which is generally designated by reference numeral 10 and
used for closing a wound on a patient (not shown). The
suture strip 10 comprises an elongated, flexible and air-
permeable backing member 12 having a wound facing surface
coated with a surgical adhesive 14. The backing member 12
has a length and width sufficient to secure facing edges
of the wound in close juxtaposition to one another. A
protective member 16 is removably attached to the backing
member 12 and covers the adhesive 14. Both the backing
member 12 and protective member 16 are formed of a
chemically inert material. A finger-grip tab 18 is
detachably connected to the backing member 12 at one end
thereof along a tear-line 20 extending transversely of
the member 12. As shown, the protective member 16 is
substantially coextensive with the backing member 12
along the length thereof and the tab 18, and extends
beyond opposite side edges of the member 12 and tab 18.
In use, the protective member 16 is first
peeled-off to expose the adhesive 14 while holding the
tab 18 with one's fingers. The end portion of the backing
member 12 opposite the tab 18 is adhered to one of the
separated skin sections, which is then pulled in a
direction towards the other separated skin section to
bring the facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition with one another, and the other end portion
of the member 12 adjacent the tab 18 is adhered to the
other skin section, thereby closing the wound and
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CA 02278967 1999-07-28
securing the facing edges thereof in close juxtaposition.
The tab 18 is thereafter torn along the tear-line 20.
The embodiment 10~ illustrated in Fig. 3 is
similar to that shown in Fig. 1, with the exception that
a much wider protective member 16~ is used to accommodate
a plurality of backing member 12 coated with surgical
adhesive.
Turning to Figs. 4 to 6, there is illustrated
another moisture-curable adhesive suture strip which is
generally designated by reference numeral 22 and
comprises an elongated, flexible and air-permeable
backing member 24 having surfaces 26 and 28 facing away
from one another with the surface 26 being coated with a
surgical adhesive 30. The backing member 24 has a length
and width sufficient to secure facing edges of the wound
in close juxtaposition to one another. A protective
member 32 is removably attached to the backing member 24
and covers the adhesive 30. Both the backing member 24
and protective member 32 are formed of a chemically inert
material. A further protective member 34 having a
pressure-sensitive adhesive 36 coated on one side thereof
is removably attached to the backing member 24 and covers
the surface 28. The protective member 34 may be also
attached to the backing member 24 by means other than
adhesives, e.g. heat or pressure applications. As shown,
the member 24 is disposed between the protective members
32 and 34.
The protective member 32 extends beyond the end
edges and side edges of the backing member 24 to define
end portions 38,40 and lateral portions 42,44. Similarly,
the protective member 34 extends beyond the end edges and
side edges of the backing strip 24 to define end portions
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46, 48 and lateral portions 50, 52 . The end portions 38, 46
and lateral portions 42,50 and 44,52 face one another and
are releasably bonded together by the adhesive 36 (or
other). The end portion 48 is partially free of adhesive
so as to define with the end portion 40 a pair of finger-
grip tabs, the tab defined by the end portion 48 being
foldable along the fold line 54.
Figure 6 illustrates how the protective member
32 is peeled-off to expose the adhesive 30 on the backing
member 24. The member 24 with the exposed adhesive 30,
carrying the protective member 34, is used in the same
manner as the suture strip 10 shown in Figs. 1-3 to close
a wound. After the facing edges of the wound have been
secured in close juxtaposition to one another, the
protective member 34 is peeled-off.
Turning to Figs. 7 and 8, there is illustrated
a backing member 56 which is similar to the backing
member 12 or 24 shown in Figs. 1-3 and Figs. 4-6, and
which can form part of the suture strip 10,10' or 22.
Instead of having a continuous coating of surgical
adhesive, the backing member 56 is provided on its wound
facing surface 58 with a plurality of spaced-apart dots
60 of surgical adhesive. The backing member 56 has a
substantially central portion 56a adapted to overlie the
facing edges of a wound and two portions 56b,56c disposed
on either side of the portion 56a. In the embodiment of
Fig. 7, the dots 60 of surgical adhesive are provided
only on the portions 56b and 56c of the backing member 56
whereas, in the embodiment of fig. 8, they are provided
on all portions 56a, 56b and 56c. A pressure-sensitive
adhesive 62 is also provided on the surface 58 between
the dots 60 of surgical adhesive.
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CA 02278967 1999-07-28
The embodiments illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10
are similar to those illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8,
respectively, with the exception that instead of dots of
surgical adhesive a plurality of spaced-apart strips 64
of surgical adhesive are provided on the surface 58 of
the backing member 56. As shown, the strips 64 of
surgical adhesive extend transversely of the backing
member 56.
l0 Turning to Figs. 11, 13 and 14, there is
illustrated a further moisture-curable adhesive suture
strip which is generally designated by reference numeral
66 and comprises an elongated, flexible and air-permeable
backing member 68 having surfaces 70 and 72 facing away
from one another with the surface 70 being coated with a
pressure-sensitive adhesive 74. The backing member 68 has
a length and width sufficient to secure facing edges of a
wound in close juxtaposition to one another. The member
68 has a substantially central portion 68a adapted to
overlie the facing edges of the wound, and two portions
68b,68c disposed on either side of the portion 68a. A
plurality of spaced-apart rupturable spherules 76 are
secured to the surface 70 of the backing member 68 by
means of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 74. In the
embodiment of Fig. 13, the spherules 76 are disposed only
on the portions 68b and 68c of the backing member 68
whereas, in the embodiment of Fig. 14, they are disposed
on all portions 68a, 68b and 68c. Each spherule 76
comprises a rupturable membrane 78 formed of a chemically
inert material and encapsulating a flowable, moisture-
curable surgical adhesive 80. The spherules 76 are
adapted to release upon rupture of the membranes 78 the
surgical adhesive 80 onto the coated surface 70. A
removable protective member 82 is releasably secured to
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the backing member 68 and covers the pressure-sensitive
adhesive 74 and the spherules 76.
The suture strip 66A illustrated in Fig. 12 is
similar to the strip 66 shown in Fig. 11, with the
exception that the membrane 78' of each spherule 76' is
integrally formed with the backing member 68', thereby
securing the spherule 76' to the surface 70'. In such an
embodiment, the backing member 68' is of course formed of
a chemically inert material. The disposition of the
spherules 76' on the backing member 68' is shown in Figs.
13 and 14.
In use, the protective member 82 is first
peeled-off to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 74
and spherules 76,76' and one of the portions 68b,68c or
68'b,68'c of the backing member 68,68' with the exposed
adhesive 74 and spherules 76,76' is adhered to one of the
separated skin sections, which is then pulled in a
direction towards the other separated skin section to
bring the facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition to one another, and the other potion of the
member 68,68' is adhered to the other skin section,
thereby closing the wound and securing the facing edges
thereof in close juxtaposition. Pressure is then applied
onto the surface 72,72' of the backing member 68,68' to
cause rupture of the spherules 76,76' and release of the
surgical adhesive 80 therefrom. The adhesive 80 flows on
part of the coated surface 70,70' of the backing member
68,68' and upon curing forms discrete bonding sites
strengthening the adhesion of the portions 68b,68c or
68'b,68'c of the backing member 68,68' to the patient's
skin and cooperating with the member 68,68' to maintain
the facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition
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CA 02278967 1999-07-28
without the cured adhesive adversely affecting the
flexibility of the member 68,68'.
In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15, a
portion 84 or 84' of the surface 70 or 70' surrounding
each spherule 76,76' is free of pressure-sensitive
adhesive 74 for receiving the surgical adhesive 80
released by the spherule 76,76' upon rupturing.
The suture strip 66B illustrated in Fig. 16 is
similar to the strip 66 shown in Fig. 11, with the
exception that the spherules 76 are secured with adhesive
86 to the surface 88 of the protective member 82. The
adhesive 86 is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
In the embodiment of Fig. 18, the spherules 76 are
disposed on the protective member 82 opposite only the
portions 68b and 68c of the backing member 68 shown in
Fig. 13 whereas, in the embodiment of Fig. 19, they are
disposed on the protective member 82 opposite all
portions 68a, 68b and 68c.
The suture strip 66C illustrated in Fig. 17 is
similar to the strip 66B shown in Fig. 16, with the
exception that the membrane 78" of each spherule 76" is
integrally formed with the protective member 82', thereby
securing the spherule 76" to the surface 88' . In such an
embodiment, the protective member 82' is of course formed
of a chemically inert material. The disposition of the
spherules 76" on the protective member 82' is shown in
Figs. 18 and 19.
In use, pressure is applied onto the surface 72
of the backing member and/or the surface 90,90' of the
protective member 82,82' to cause rupture of the
spherules 76,76" and release of the surgical adhesive 80
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therefrom, the protective member 82,82' is peeled-off to
expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 74 and the
surgical adhesive 80 released on part of the coated
surface 70 of the backing member 68 and one of the
portions 68b,68c of the member 68 with the exposed
adhesives 74 and 80 is adhered to one of the separated
skin sections, which is then pulled in a direction
towards the other separated skin section to bring the
facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition to one
another, and the other portion of the member 68 is
adhered to the other skin section, thereby closing the
wound and securing the facing edges thereof in close
juxtaposition. The surgical adhesive 80 upon curing forms
discrete bonding sites strenghtening the adhesion of the
portions 68b and 68c of the backing member 68 to the
patient's skin and cooperating with the member 68 to
maintain the facing edges of the wound in close
juxtaposition without the cured adhesive adversely
affecting the flexibility of the member 68.
In the embodiments 66B' and 66C' illustrated in
Figs. 20 and 21, a portion 92 of the surface 70 of the
backing member opposite each spherule 76,76" is free of
pressure-sensitive adhesive 74 for receiving the surgical
adhesive 80 released by the spherule 76,76" upon
rupturing.
The backing members 68 and 68' can be provided
with a tab similar to the tab 18 shown in Fig. 1. The
protective members 82 and 82' can also extend beyond the
end edges and side edges of the backing member to define
end and lateral portions similar to the end portions
38,40 and lateral portions 42,44 shown in Figs. 5 and 6,
and a second removable protective member similar to the
protective member 34 shown in Figs. 4-6 can be releasably
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secured with pressure-sensitive adhesive (or other
suitable means, as mentioned hereinbefore) to the surface
72, 72 of the backing member 68, 68 for the same purpose
as discussed in respect of Figs. 4-6.
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Dessin représentatif