Methods for obtaining hemostasis of percutaneous wounds

Abstract

This invention relates to novel methods, kits, and devices for stopping hemorrhaging of percutaneous wounds. The inventive subject matter involves insertion of a purse-string suture around the wound, insertion of the free two ends of the suture through a tension collar, manual tightening of the tension collar until hemostasis is achieved, and application of a suture lock to the free ends of the suture to secure the tension collar and maintain hemostasis. After a sufficient period of time to allow complete hemostasis, the suture lock and the tension collar are loosened; if hemostasis has been achieved, the suture lock, the tension collar, and the suture material are removed. If bleeding continues from the wound, the tension collar is tightened and the suture lock reapplied. This process may be repeated until complete hemostasis is achieved, without the need for additional suturing or manual compression.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . A method for producing hemostasis of a percutaneous wound, comprising 
 inserting a purse-string suture around a percutaneous wound using multiple passes of a suture needle and a physiologically suitable suture material in a manner such that a final pass of the suture needle is oriented so as to bring the final exit site of the suture material substantially adjacent to an initial entry site of the suture material through the skin;    bringing the initial entry and final exit limbs of the suture material through a tension collar;    tightening the tension collar to achieve hemostasis of the percutaneous wound; and    applying a suitable suture lock to the free ends of the suture material to secure the tension collar.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the percutaneous wound is associated with the insertion of a vascular sheath, cannula or catheter through the skin.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the purse-string suture is inserted through the skin contemporaneously with the vascular sheath, cannula, or catheter.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the vascular sheath, cannula or catheter is removed prior to tightening the tension collar.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the suture material comprises monofilament 2.0 polypropylene or nylon.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the purse-string suture is inserted within about 3 mm of the percutaneous wound.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , comprising 
 releasing the suture lock and loosening the tension collar after a sufficient period of time is allowed for hemostasis to occur;    re-tightening the tension collar and re-applying the suture lock as needed to prevent bleeding or oozing of blood; and    removing the suture material when satisfactory hemostasis has been achieved.    
   
   
       21 . A percutaneous wound homeostasis kit, comprising 
 suture(s) of size and material characteristics suitable for the type and location of the percutaneous wound to be treated;    suture needle(s);    tension collar(s);    suture-lock(s); and    Instructions for use of the kit.    
   
   
       22 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the suture material(s) comprise(s) a non-absorbable monofilament.  
   
   
       23 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the suture material(s) comprise(s) 2.0 monofilament polypropylene or nylon.