Where to use SutureSafe
When to use SutureSafe
Which size is best and how many to use
Daily activities
Skin Preparation
Applying SutureSafe
When to change SutureSafe
Replacing SutureSafe
Adverse reactions
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In addition to the information provided in this document, please refer to the SutureSafeŽ Instructions for Use for complete instructions.
We recommend you seek guidance from a healthcare professional prior to using SutureSafe if:
- You are currently under the care of a healthcare professional
- You are unsure of the severity of your cut/wound
- You are concerned about possible contamination or infection
About SutureSafe
Bandages generally keep wounds clean and absorb fluids. SutureSafe pulls the wound margins together, creating a relaxed area of skin along the incision, while also preventing the incision from accidentally pulling apart. This alleviates discomfort and enables low-tension healing for reduced pain and scarring. These are some of SutureSafe's unique features:
- It is transparent; the suture line is clearly visible at all times.
- It has an elastic silicone center that relieves tension on the suture line and won't adhere to the incision.
- Above the silicone elastic is a non-elastic film called a Rip-Stop that first ensures that the correct tension is set when SutureSafe is applied. Thereafter, the Rip-Stop protects the incision from sudden movements (coughing, sneezing, etc.) that could otherwise cause the wound to re-open. SutureSafe transfers these sudden forces from the suture line to the adhesive strips on either side, protecting the incision from the sudden strain.
No.
Yes. SutureSafe and all packaging materials are 100% latex-free.
No.
- do not reuse
- product and packaging are 100% latex-free
- caution, read instructions before using
Yes. SutureSafe is compliant with all Health Canada and FDA (USA) regulations.
Actually, the elastic has pulled the skin together, reducing skin tension and therefore it no longer appears to be doing anything. The clear RipStop film will still prevent the wound from opening.
Both Canica and Lee Valley were founded by Leonard Lee and, like Lee Valley, Canica focuses on developing effective products that solve problems. SutureSafe works well. It is the patient who most benefits from its use, and we thought you should know about it.
This is an initial retail launch and we expect SutureSafe will be made widely available in drug stores in the near future.
Yes. Although SutureSafe is not suitable for wounds with significant bleeding, it can be used to hold cuts closed while medical attention is being sought. It can also be used to close smaller cuts, reducing scarring and discomfort in the process.
Where to use SutureSafe
Yes. SutureSafe can be used on virtually any surgical wound that has been closed with sutures, staples or glue, provided there is sufficient space to apply SutureSafe over the wound.
SutureSafe is intended for use on closed incisions and small cuts or lacerations. It is not intended for use on large, open wounds.
Yes, if the cut is clean with little bleeding, and small enough that the cut can easily be held closed. SutureSafe can be applied immediately to relieve tension and pain while healing. Additional dressings may be used over top of the SutureSafe to absorb fluids or keep the wound clean. Apply SutureSafe until the cut heals (usually about 10 days) and continue use (up to 29 days) to reduce scarring. Consult your physician before use if the cut is dirty or infected.
Irregular incisions can still benefit from SutureSafe as long as SutureSafe can bridge the incision along the length of the wound without overlapping of the adhesive portions.
Yes. SutureSafe is safe for use on children.
When to use SutureSafe
SutureSafe can be used anytime after the incision has been sutured, stapled or glued, and when no significant bleeding exists. If you are under the direct care of a physician, consult the physician prior to use.
Which size is best and how many to use
This question can be answered in 2 ways:
- Surgical incisions: Always use the largest size of SutureSafe that will fit the area around the incision, without completely wrapping around a limb, as this can restrict circulation. For example, the smaller size (DWS1212) may be better suited to incisions of the arm or leg where space may be limited, and the larger size (DWS1408) better suited to those on the abdomen or chest, where there is usually more room for application, as well as higher tension to overcome.
- Small Cuts: SutureSafe can be used for small cuts where the wound edges are easily held closed. Always use the largest size that will fit the area around the cut without wrapping completely around a limb, as this may restrict circulation.
Each box of SutureSafe contains enough product for 14 days of use on a 4" to 4 1/2" long incision, or 7 days of use on an 8" to 9" long incision.
Daily activities
Yes. You can wash right over them. Pat SutureSafe dry and let air-dry prior to covering with clothing or dressings.
Yes.
Skin Preparation
Yes, but ointments or creams may prevent the strip adhesive from bonding to your skin. If creams are used on the incision, avoid contact with the adhesive strips.
No, but ensuring the area of contact is free of hair will increase the length of time SutureSafe adheres to skin.
Always ensure the skin is clean and dry before applying SutureSafe. Cleaning skin with rubbing alcohol and shaving excess hair will increase adhesion. Avoid using oils or moisturizer in that area. Be careful when you are applying SutureSafe not to touch the adhesive with your fingers, as this will reduce its effectiveness. Gently rubbing the top of the adhesive fabric after placed on the skin will increase the bond between your skin and the adhesive.
Please refer to SutureSafeŽ Instructions for Use for detailed instructions.
SutureSafe requires two hands to be installed. Depending on the location of your incision (e.g., hands and arms), you may require assistance.
We do not recommend trimming SutureSafe, because the forces will be distributed over a smaller area of skin and could result in blistering from over-tensioning the skin.
Replace SutureSafe when the elastic center is no longer stretched, if the edges become rolled, or less than 1/2 of the adhesive remains adhered to skin. The duration varies by skin type, but is usually around 7 days.
Peel ends back towards the wound for painless removal. If residue remains on the skin after removal, let it dry then rub it off.
No. The adhesive will not stick to skin after SutureSafe has been pulled up and re-positioned.
When possible, placing the new SutureSafe between the original SutureSafe locations may minimize skin irritation.
If you have experienced an allergic reaction to bandages or other adhesive based skin products in the past, you should watch for any sign of skin reaction and discontinue use if a reaction occurs. SutureSafe uses acrylic-based skin adhesive, which contains no latex and is widely used on medical skin tapes. Allergic reactions are rare.
Repeated application and removal of any adhesive product can irritate skin, particularly sensitive skin. A skin dressing such as DuoDERM®, Tegaderm™, or OpSite™ can be used as a protective barrier under SutureSafe and is available at your local pharmacy. If irritation continues, discontinue use.
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| Disclaimer | Last Updated: July 23, 2009 Canica Design Inc. © 2009 All rights reserved www.canica.com |  |
