Background: The purpose of this study was to compare a unique zip-type adjustable coaptive tape-based skin closure device to traditional subcuticular sutures in three domains: time, cosmesis, and wound closure-related outcomes in cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures.
Methods: A total of 40 patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial to assess time to wound closure, as well as cosmesis and wound closure-related outcomes.
Results: The adjustable coaptive tape-based skin closure device had shorter overall closure time (78 ± 6.6 seconds vs 216 ± 21.5 seconds; P < 0.001) and mean closure time per centimeter (18.0 ± 2.0 s/cm vs 50.1 ± 6.7 s/cm; P < 0.001) versus sutures, with less intersurgeon and interpatient variability with the use of adjustable coaptive device versus sutures (P < 0.001). There was no difference between groups in postoperative pain or scar cosmesis during the follow-up period. Neither group had any closure-related adverse events.
Conclusions: The adjustable coaptive tape-based skin closure device demonstrated shorter closure times with less variability when compared to sutures. It is a safe and acceptable alternative to sutures for skin closure following CIED implantation.
Keywords: cardiac implantable electronic device; skin closure; zip.
© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.