Healthcare corporation Covidien has launched a knotless wound closure device worldwide that is absorbed within three months.

The new V-Loc 90 device expands Covidien's V-Loc brand of absorbable wound closure devices.

The device builds on the success of the V-Loc 180 device, launched in October 2009, but halves the time required for wound closure.

The V-Loc 180's self-anchoring loop and barb combination enables surgeons to close dermal wounds quickly and securely without knots. V-Loc devices close wounds up to 50% faster than conventional sutures of comparable holding strength.

Whereas the V-Loc 180 holds the wound edges together so that absorption is complete within 180 days, the V-Loc 90 contains faster-absorbing material (using Covidien's Biosyn suture technology) that means absorption is complete within 90-110 days.

The shorter healing time makes the new device ideal for dermal and laparoscopic applications such as plastic reconstructive surgery and gynaecological surgery.

"With this new addition to our knotless wound closure portfolio, surgeons have an even broader array of choices for closing surgical incisions safely, quickly and effectively," said Michel Therin, Vice President, Soft Tissue Repair & Biosurgery, Covidien. "The V-Loc 90 device is designed to provide better patient outcomes through the fast absorption of the product following the critical wound healing period after surgery."

Initial clinical testing has shown that the V-Loc technology significantly reduces the time needed to close surgical incisions.

The V-Loc 90 device was previewed at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's annual meeting in Washington, DC, where surgeons responded positively to the device's ability to save time and reduce the risk of knot-related complications.

 
V-Loc 90