Surgical device for wound closure with minimum invasion into the tissue

Surgical procedures in the eye require wound closure techniques that are minimally invasive. Conventional suturing techniques and the use of metal staples are not well suited for use in these regions. 

Dr. Tushar Ranchod, who was formerly a resident researcher at the Perelman School of Medicine, has designed a surgical instrument and closure device for use in rapidly closing superficial elastic layer of tissue such as the conjunctiva without external protrusion. The device is intended for use as a replacement for sutures and other standard methods for surgical closure in ophthalmic surgery. This device is not just limited to ophthalmic use; it can also be used in other surgical procedures involving thin layers of tissues.

The instrument consists of two movable arms, with each arm consisting of a prong to mount the closure device. The surgical device consists of two pieces and is designed in a manner such that they interlock when brought together. The instrument can either be made from stainless steel or from plastic while the locking device is made from a biodegradable material like polyglactin.

During the closure procedure, the edges of the incision are brought together by the movable arms of the instrument and secured using the closure device that is mounted on the prongs of the instrument.  After the wound is secured, the instrument is safely removed without pulling out any of the tissue. The design of the instrument allows for the use of multiple prongs that is required to close very large incisions. 

• Minimally invasive
• Reduces the surgical time for wound closure
• Less expensive compared to methods like thermal cautery and adhesive seals
• Works well even on large incisions and tissues with large tension
• Translatable to other sensitive tissues like the mucous membrane