A new device for securing meshed split-thickness skin grafts

This report describes the design, operation, and biomechanical performance of the Auto Suture® Multifire Graftac-S® disposable surgical staplers and absorbable tacks. The performance of this reloadable stapler has been compared to that of the Auto Suture® Multifire Premium® disposable skin stapler. The Premium® stapler forms stainless steel staples to close the wound. The Graftac-S® ejects absorbable tacks into the graft from a cartridge, which can be reloaded during a single operation. In two clinical trials of 10 patients each, the Graftac-S® delivered absorbable tacks which were biocompatible and successfully secured the graft to the wound. The most obvious advantage of this device is that it obviates the need to remove the staples from the wound later. By the tenth postoperative day, about 90% of the tacks had extruded spontaneously, thereby reducing the amount of postoperative care required; discomfort to the patient during removal of the stainless steel staples is eliminated.