Ready-Stitch: a new device for the closure of skin wounds.

Abstract

Ready-Stitch (Med United Ltd., London, UK) is a new wound closure device that may have considerable advantages over conventional sutures in closing skin wounds. A preliminary study was carried out to ascertain the most appropriate surgical self-adhesive tape to use in the construction of Ready-Stitch. Twenty-four skin wounds were then closed with either Ready-Stitch or conventional sutures. Ready-Stitch was much preferred by patients and staff alike, produced good cosmetic results, and may reduce the incidence of wound infection and the likelihood of needle-stick injury in hospital staff.