An improvised wound closure system

BACKGROUND: Skin stretching harnesses the same viscoelastic properties of the skin as expansion, with the difference that the forces are applied externally and not internally. An improvised system for wound closure is presented. METHOD: The system is assembled using silicone vascular loops used as sutures and the flow controllers of intravenous sets as locking devices. The wounds are gradually closed by increasing the tension applied by the devices. RESULTS: The system has been applied to nine traumatic wounds in six patients. The average size of the wounds was 70 cm; the average number of devices used was 4.3 (range, 1-9; median, 3); the average time to achieve closure was 1.55 days (range, 0-2 days; median, 2 days). CONCLUSION: This system permits the closure of wounds not suitable for closure by primary intention and avoids the use of skin grafts or flaps