Novel Adhesive Suture Retention Device Shows Promise In Case Series

In a poster presented at SAWC Spring, Alton R. Johnson, Jr., DPM, DABPM, FACPM, FASPS, CWSP and team set out to examine the potential healing enhancement of an adhesive suture retention device for Stage IV heel ulcers with and without infection. The study was awarded the highest scoring poster in the Practice Innovations category at the conference.

“Typically, most case series consist of one surgeon showing his/her/their surgical skills set to a variety of different patients,” says Dr. Johnson. “I decided I wanted to design a unique retrospective case series that showcased the same ulceration type and staging classification, but closure techniques performed by different surgeons using the same adhesive suture retention device.”

He points out that since the poster presents a retrospective case series, there is bias, as all seven cases discussed went on to fully heal, in time periods from 3 to 6 weeks.

“The purpose of the poster was to showcase the technique and moving forward we will design a more extensive study that will follow every patient outcome that has undergone this closure technique in an attempt for final limb preservation,” he adds.

Citing nearly 2 years experience, both in training and as an attending, with this adhesive suture retention device, Dr. Johnson says the results he noted inspired the creation of this study.

“My first use of the device consisted of a delayed closure with geometrically remodeling of a Stage IV heel ulceration that healed within a matter of weeks after performing the technique,” he shares. “It was that experience that led to an immediate change in my practice protocols for complex wounds to consider delayed closures more often, or geometrical wound remodeling to aid with the acceleration of wound healing. Eventually, as my confidence grew with the utilization of the device, it has become a stable and recurring choice for my closures during challenging soft tissue procedures.” 

Dr. Johnson, a Clinical Assistant Professor, Podiatrist and Wound Care Specialist at Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan Medical School, feels this device has a wide applicability for podiatric and wound care surgeons. 

“I think this case series displays seven interesting cases with utilization of adhesive suture retention devices and I would encourage others within our community to investigate the potential of such closure techniques,” he says. “I truly believe this device is an answer to a challenge the specialties of wound care and podiatry often face; how to relieve tension on an incision site to prevent tissue necrosis. It has made a positive clinical impact on every patient on whom I have applied this device for suture retention during closures for elective to emergent procedures.” 

Dr. Johnson discloses he is a Scientific Advisory Board Member and Paid Consultant for Suturegard Medical, Inc.