A wound or incision closure apparatus comprises a first and second panel. Each of the panels comprises a bottom adhesive layer, a medial substrate layer, and an upper load distribution layer which connect the two panels. A sensory or therapeutic element is disposed adjacent, within, or between two or more of the layers. The sensory or therapeutic element can provide sensing and/or therapy for the incision and/or monitor the incision so that the therapy can be customized and updated.

A wound closure device is provided. The wound closure device includes a first pad with an adhesive surface and a second pad with an adhesive surface. The wound closure device also includes a first tension adjusting pad with a first section, a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first tension adjust pad is configured to move the first pad towards the second pad when the first tension adjusting pad is moved away from the first pad. The wound closure device also includes a second tension adjusting pad with a second section, a third connecting element and fourth connecting element. The second tension adjusting pad is configured to move the second pad towards the first pad when the second tension adjusting pad is moved away from the second pad. The wound closure device further includes a first cross bar for securing the first and third connecting elements.

A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound and a negative pressure wound dressing apparatus adapted to be used in conjunction with the wound closure system. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound, and applying a negative pressure to the wound.

Abdominal approximation devices and methods are described where one variation of the tissue securement assembly may generally include a fixation member having a length, a thickness control securement member which is adjustably securable along the length, and a frame which is adjustably securable to the thickness control securement member. The frame may have a relaxed configuration and a biasing configuration which imparts a biasing force against the thickness control securement member when in the biasing configuration such that the biasing force is applied at a distance from tissue to be approximated via the fixation member.

A device for retracting or opening and closing a tissue wound employs two or more retractor arms that do not enter or penetrate into the wound or incision. The retractor arms engage the tissue on either side of the wound and apply outward or inward pressure on the tissue surface to open or close the wound.

A system including a first base sheet, a second base sheet, a first plurality of individual strip sections extending out of said first base sheet, a second plurality of individual strip sections extending out of the second base sheet, wherein said first plurality of individual strip sections are operable for engagement and disengagement with said second base sheet and wherein said second plurality of individual strip sections are operable for engagement and disengagement with said first base sheet to enable and maintain wound closure and allow application of antibiotics to prevent and/or treat wound infection or application of other topical agents without removing and replacing the system.

A wound or incision closure apparatus comprises a first and second panel. Each of the panels comprises a bottom adhesive layer, a medial substrate layer, and an upper load distribution layer which connect the two panels. A sensory or therapeutic element is disposed adjacent, within, or between two or more of the layers. The sensory or therapeutic element can provide sensing and/or therapy for the incision and/or monitor the incision so that the therapy can be customized and updated.

A closure device of the present invention includes two closure elements, and two sheet materials for integrally disposing the two closure elements. Each of the closure elements includes a base portion, a drawstring portion integrally extending from the base portion, and an adjustment portion including an engaged portion having a shape engageable with the drawstring portion. The base portion of one closure element of the two closure elements and the adjustment portion of the other closure element of the two closure elements are integrally disposed on one of the sheet materials, and the adjustment portion of one closure element and the base portion of the other closure element are disposed integrally on the other of the sheet materials.

Devices, methods, and systems for treating an ulcer or skin defect are disclosed. First and second base panels of a closure device are adhered to first and second sides of the ulcer or skin defect, respectively. Lateral ties couple the first and second base panels together and provide a predetermined separation distance or lateral gap between the inner edges of the panel. The predetermined separation distance or lateral gap is sufficient to treat the most common sized ulcers or skin defects, for example, accommodating an ulcer or skin defect with a minor axis of at most 50 mm. The lateral ties have their ends fixed to one panel and their opposite ends adjustably and reversibly attached to the other panel so that the separation distance can be reduced or adjusted to provide a lateral compressive force to the ulcer or skin defect, thereby promoting healing.

Wound closure devices and methods of using the wound closure devices are disclosed. The wound closure device comprises two clips. Each clip comprises a wedge-shaped body, a tab extending from a tip of the wedge-shaped body, an anchor extending from a base of the wedge-shaped body, and a locking mechanism positioned within the wedge-shaped body.