Device and method for closing minor cuts which would normally require stitches

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to relatively small cuts in a portion of the body and, more particularly, this invention relates to a device and method for closing the skin without the use of stitches.

[0003] Prior to the present invention, as is well known people are susceptible to various cuts. Some of these cuts may be serious enough to require medical attention and stitches. Because these cuts are open wound on the skin, they are often painful and sometimes bleed. It is also possible that due to there location they may be slow to heal because they can be exposed to water, air, detergents, and other external elements. A bandage is sometimes used, but this acts merely as a cover which affords minimal protection from the above mentioned elements.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for promoting the healing of a laceration in a predetermined skin portion of the body. The device includes a first means engageable with the skin portion of the body for drawing the laceration together. A screen member attached to the first means and disposed intermediate with the skin laceration and the first means. Finally, a medical adhesive engageable with the screen member is used for sealing the laceration.

[0005] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for promoting the healing of a skin laceration. Such method comprises the steps of positioning the device and the screen member attached to an aperture in the device over the laceration. The laceration is closed by securing the device to the skin. A predetermined amount of medical adhesive is applied through the aperture. The medical adhesive is allowed to dry, and then the device is removed. The screen member and the medical adhesive remain attached to the closed stress crack for a predetermined amount of time, whereby the laceration will be healed.

[0006] It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a device for promoting the healing of relatively minor skin lacerations without requiring the use of stitches or staples.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for an individual to effectively treat a laceration to the skin without assistance, since at least one hand is free to apply the application of the medical adhesive once the device is secured on the skin.

[0008] Still a further object of the present invention is to minimize the discomfort associated with an open laceration during the healing process.

[0009] In addition to the various objects of the invention that have been described above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and the appended claims.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top view of a device for closing and promoting the healing of a laceration in the skin;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along line II—II of FIG. 1; and

[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a device for closing and promoting a laceration in the skin.

[0013] Prior to proceeding to a more detailed description of the invention, it should be noted that identical components having identical functions have been designated with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings for the sake of clarity.

[0014] Now refer more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 of the drawings. Illustrated therein is a device, generally designated 10, for closing and promoting the healing of a topical laceration. The device 10 includes a first means 15 engageable with a skin portion of the body for drawing the lacerated skin together. The first means 15 is an adhesive element having a predetermined material, size, and shape. The first means 15 further includes an aperture 40 of a predetermined size and shape disposed through the first means 15. The first means 15 includes at least one reinforcement member 35 to prevent any material deformation of such first means 15. The reinforcement member 35 is disposed longitudinally along and engageable with such first means 15. Preferably, the device 10 includes two reinforcement members 35. An alternative embodiment includes one reinforcement member 35adisposed adjacent the circumference of the aperture 40 and engageable with such first means 15.

[0015] The device 10 further includes a screen member 20 disposed intermediate the skin laceration and the first means 15 for maintaining closure of the skin. The screen member 20 is a permeable, transparent, degradable material of a predetermined composition. The screen member 20 is attached to and overlaps the aperture 40 of such adhesive element 15 by an adhesive 30.

[0016] Included further in the device 10 is a medical adhesive 25 engageable with the screen member 20 as a means for sealing such skin laceration together without the use of stitches. Preferably, the medical adhesive 25 is contained in an encapsulated unit 45 having a predetermined amount of such medical adhesive 25.

[0017] Further described herein is a method for closing and promoting the healing of a relatively minor skin laceration without the use of staples and/or stitches. The method includes the positioning of an adhesive element with a screen member and a liquid or fluid encapsulated unit of medical adhesive attached to an aperture over such laceration. Securing the adhesive element to the skin to close the laceration. The method further includes pressing the first end of the adhesive element to the skin, then pulling the second end of the adhesive element until the laceration is closed. Pressing the second end of the adhesive element to the skin maintains closure of the laceration.

[0018] A predetermined amount of medical adhesive is applied by releasing the encapsulated unit of medical adhesive through such aperture. Preferably, the medical adhesive is released through the aperture by applying pressure to the encapsulated unit. The medical adhesive is allowed to dry, then the adhesive element is removed. The screen member and the medical adhesive remain attached to the closed laceration for a predetermined amount of time. An additional step includes trimming the screen member to fit such skin portion of the body. Preferably, the screen member is composed of a degradable material. After the predetermined amount of time has lapsed, the laceration will be healed.

[0019] Although the invention has been shown in connection with a certain specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts and method may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.