AAOS: Ethicon and DePuy Synthes Introduce Customized Wound Closure Kits

Ethicon and DePuy Synthes are joining forces to introduce customized wound closure kits for orthopaedic surgery. The new wound closure kits, which include Ethicon’s wound closure products STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Devices and the DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System, allow for complete customization and are now available through DePuy Synthes in the United States.
 
As the need for standardization and efficiency in the operating room becomes increasingly important, these customized wound closure kits may help health systems meet their triple aim goals of reducing costs, enhancing patient outcomes and increasing patient satisfaction.
 
Orthopedic surgeons are now able to choose which sutures they would like by each layer of closure, packaged in one kit for specific procedures, designed to provide standardization and efficiency in the operating room. The advanced technology of STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Devices and the DERMABOND PRINEO System also helps to achieve greater procedural efficiencies during wound closure. The Ethicon wound closure kits will be assembled and supplied by Medical Action Industries Inc., an Owens & Minor Company, a provider of procedure-based kits and trays.
 
“DePuy Synthes’ reach in the orthopedics space will enable us to bring the benefits of Ethicon’s advanced wound closure products to many more health systems and sites of care,” said Gary Fischetti, Company Group Chairman, North America Region, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies. “The launch of our wound closure kit demonstrates just one of the new ways we are partnering across our medical devices businesses to provide efficient capabilities that streamline procedures, and may lead to better outcomes for the millions of patients who undergo surgery each year.”
 
The Benefits of Advanced Wound Closure Technology
With its latest wound closure innovations, STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Devices and DERMABOND PRINEO System, Ethicon continues to lead the way in wound closure that is helping to improve efficiencies in the operating room, reduce wound closure time and optimize healing for patients. STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Devices provide more strength and security, more consistency, and more efficiency than traditional suture.ⁱ The portfolio of STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Devices also enables surgeons to more easily manage tension and control tissue approximation with each pass during closure and eliminates the need to tie knots.ⁱ As a replacement for sutures or staples, DERMABOND PRINEO System provides minimally invasive closure—no holes in the skin; no sutures or staples to remove, and no dressing changes, which may potentially reduce follow-up visits and support good cosmetic results for patients.^ii,iii

STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Devices and DERMABOND PRINEO System also offer  the additional benefits of addressing some of the risk factors associated with surgical site infections (SSIs). Addressing the risk factors associated with SSIs has never been more important, now that the costs resulting from some hospital-acquired infections are no longer reimbursed by Medicare. The DERMABOND PRINEO System has been shown in-vitro to provide a microbial barrier that provides protection against organisms commonly responsible for SSIs.ⁱⁱⁱ The portfolio of STRATAFIX Knotless Tissue Control Devices offers sutures with Ethicon Plus antibacterial triclosan coating. Plus, sutures have been proven in vivo to kill bacteria on the suture known to be associated with SSIs.^{iv, v}
 
DePuy Synthes Companies, part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, provides one of the most comprehensive orthopedics portfolios on the market. DePuy Synthes Companies solutions focus on specialties including joint reconstruction, trauma, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine.
 
From creating the first sutures, to revolutionizing surgery with minimally invasive procedures, Ethicon, part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, has made significant contributions to surgery for more than 60 years. Ethicon’s surgical technologies and solutions include sutures, staplers, energy devices, trocars and hemostats.

References:
i. Data on file, Ethicon, Inc.: STRATAFIX Claims Matrix SFX-308-12. 2013.
ii. Ethicon Inc. DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System (22cm) Instructions for Use. LAB100114233v2. 5/15
iii. Data on File, Ethicon Inc (2013) DERMABOND PRINEO Skin Closure System Matrix. 043364-151113
iv. Ming X, Rothenburger S, Nichols MM. In vivo and invitro antibacterial efficacy of PDS Plus (polidioxanone with triclosan) suture. Surg Infect. 2008;9(4):451-457.
v. Ming X, Rothenburger S, Yang D. In vitro antibacterial efficacy of Monocryl Plus Antibacterial Suture (poligelcaprone 25 with triclosan). Surg Infect. 2007;8(2):201-207.