Inventors:
Robert J. Harvey - Emeryville CA
Philip Litwak - Novato CA
William A. Ribich - Lexington MA
John M. Dubowik - Nashua NH
Assignee:
Thoratec Laboratories Corporation - Berkeley CA
International Classification:
A61B 1708
Abstract:
A closure band of water-vapor permeable, flexible, elastic plastic spans a cut in the flesh and holds the cut closed. Flesh-engaging penetrants such as hooks are partly embedded in or are part of the band and engage the flesh either side of the cut. Adhesive on the band also contacts the flesh and helps hold the penetrants embedded. A tear strip overlying openings through the band, when removed, allows inspection of the cut.