Covidien launches V-Loc absorbable wound closure device

Oct 13 2009

Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced the global rollout of the V-Loc™ absorbable wound closure device, the first surgical device of its kind to feature unidirectional barbed technology that enables surgeons to close dermal wounds quickly and securely without tying knots.

The breakthrough V-Loc surgical device is a self-anchoring loop and barb combination that eliminates the need to tie knots, while distributing tension across the wound and facilitating the simultaneous closure of multiple layers. As a result, closure time with the V-Loc device is 30% to 50% faster than with conventional suturing, as demonstrated by ex-vivo implant studies. This decrease in closure time may reduce the time patients need to spend in the operating room, and with the absence of knots, knot-related complications are potentially reduced.

The V-Loc device was presented today at the American College of Surgeons 95^th Annual Clinical Congress in Chicago.

“The V-Loc device is a breakthrough in dermal wound closure technology, and the feedback we are getting from surgeons who have tested the device is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” said Dr. Michael Tarnoff, Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Surgical Devices, Covidien. “Secure, fast and effective, knotless surgery through our V-Loc device is a simple and elegant solution that can help hospitals and surgeons deal effectively with a number of issues that impact patient outcomes.”

The V-Loc device is intuitive and easy for surgeons to use, requiring no change in standard techniques for dermal wound closure. It can be used in laparoscopic surgical procedures, where tying knots or stapling can be challenging. Evenly spaced barbs throughout the device’s monofilament strand provide secure dermal wound closure. These features, combined with the speed and security of knotless closure, make the V-Loc device ideal for plastic reconstructive, open and laparoscopic dermal wound closure procedures.

Source COVIDIEN