Devices for Securely Closing Tissue Openings with Minimized Scarring

Abstract

Devices, tools, systems, kits and methods for closing a tissue opening non-invasively are presented. The devices include a tissue closure device that reliably induces eversion of tissue edges that define a tissue opening. The devices may be used in combination with an applicator tool to provide easy and uniform apposition of the tissue closure devices across the tissue opening. Further embodiments provide for releasable locking of the tissue closure devices, allowing for drainage of wound edema and/or treatment of infection, without removal and reapplication of the devices. Still further embodiments allow for the passing of moisture or other substances that may collect under a tissue closure device.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A tissue closure device for non-invasively closing a tissue opening, the device comprising:
 an assembled pair of substantially identical closure components, each component having:   a tissue attachment base with an attachment mechanism on a first side thereof for affixing the attachment base to a patient's skin, wherein the tissue attachment base is comprised of a first portion and a second portion;   a standoff assembly mounted on a second side of the attachment base and adjacent to the first portion of the tissue attachment base, wherein the standoff assembly and the second portion of the tissue attachment base have equal widths and the first portion of the tissue attachment base has a width wider than the widths of the standoff assembly and the second portion of the tissue attachment base;   a toothed pull-tab, having first and second ends, coupled to the attachment base through the standoff assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, the standoff assembly having a forward face, to which the first end of the pull-tab is affixed, and an opposed rearward face, the forward face including a sloped portion that is sloped rearward as it approaches the attachment base;   a female connective element, mounted on the second side of the attachment base, and built into the standoff assembly, that receives and engages the pull-tab from the other component and into which the pull-tab from the other component has been placed,   wherein each pull-tab has a length sufficient to reach and be received by the female connective element of the other closure component, the second end of the pull-tab protruding from the female connective element, so that, when the assembled pair is affixed to the patient's skin with each of the attachment bases disposed on an opposite side of the tissue opening, force applied to second ends of the pull-tabs causes the second ends of the pull-tabs to be pulled away from each other, to bring the sloped portions of the forward faces of the components into substantial contact with one another at a location of contact and to cause each standoff assembly to pivot about the location of contact, so as to induce eversion of tissue edges that defined the tissue opening.   
     
     
         24 . The tissue closure device according to  claim 23 , wherein the attachment base is porous to allow for tissue breathing and the egress of tissue fluids. 
     
     
         25 . The tissue closure device according to  claim 23 , wherein the tissue closure device is made of a biodegradable polymer. 
     
     
         26 . The tissue closure device according to  claim 23 , wherein the attachment mechanism includes at least one of a hook and an adhesive. 
     
     
         27 . A strip of a plurality of tissue closure devices of claim  1 , wherein the tissue closure devices are held in spaced relationship to one another along at least one strip.