Sophisticated Wound Closure Techniques Replacing Sutures

As the number of surgical procedures performed annually in the developed world increases, clinicians and healthcare decision makers are showing an increased interest in new methods for closing and sealing surgical wounds. These are among the findings of a new report by Greystone Associates (Amherst, NH, USA), a medical and healthcare technology-consulting firm.

The surgical wound care market is currently dominated by conventional bandages and dressings and surgical staples or sutures, but wound sealing techniques that rely on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biotechnology are methodically acquiring approvals for an expanding list of indications. These newer technologies represent a paradigm shift away from the traditional methods and training of surgical teams and as a result present special challenges for advanced wound-closure market participants. The trend toward faster, simpler closure techniques is being driven in large part by strides in the processing of proteins possessing natural adhesion properties. These advanced closure and sealing products and techniques can save time and improve outcomes. Wound closure techniques based on energy methods such as ultrasound and radio frequency are also making inroads in this sector.

"Biological sealants based on natural adhesion promoters such as fibrin, platelet gels, modified collagen, and recombinant proteins are gaining market share on synthetic sealants,” said George Perros, Managing Director of Greystone Associates. "These advanced closure and sealing products and techniques save time, which equates to saving money.”

The surgical market for advanced wound closure products is expected to grow as an aging world population creates increased demand for all types of surgical intervention, particularly cardiovascular, orthopedic, urological, and dermatological procedures. The emerging generation of wound closure products and technologies comprising biologically derived and synthetic sealants and energy-based wound closure methods, are well positioned to capitalize on this growth. Burns represent a secondary growth opportunity for tissue sealants, particularly for positioning and bonding tissue grafts.


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