The S.T.A.R. ™

"The First Minimally Invasive Tissue Expansion Device"

The Suture Tension Adjustment Reel or S.T.A.R.™ device is comprised of a winder reel and an anchor (See Figures below). The device is attached to the skin as part of a horizontal mattress suture. The suture is easily slipped onto the winder on one side of the skin defect and the anchor on the other. The winder is then turned, pulling the edges of the defect together, spreading tension across the entire surface of the skin. Multiple devices are used to accommodate most skin defects of any size.

The S.T.A.R.™ from WoundTEK provides several clinical advantages:

• Most skin deficit wounds are closed with one third the time of normal closure methods and with a reduced risk of infection.
• Since skin is stretched across the deficit, the need for creating and managing graft and flap donor sites is largely eliminated.
• Complete vascularity is maintained when using the S.T.A.R.™
• Since the S.T.A.R.™ can be used within, as well as outside the O.R., the use of O.R. time and associated costs are minimized.
• The S.T.A.R.™ may be adjusted open and closed without cutting the suture, making it the first adjustable knot suture device.