SurgiZip - Surgical Zipper

The application instructions are below. For information on Training in the application of the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper, click here. The application instructions are also available in Video format.

The SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper must be about 2-4 cm longer than the wound i.e. it must extend beyond the wound by approximately 1-2 cm at each end to provide complete coverage of the wound area.

Clean the skin around the wound areas so that the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper will adhere properly. For example, wipe the skin with alcohol to remove excess oil, and if necessary, shave the skin to remove hair. Caution: Do not apply alcohol or organic solvents directly to the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper.

Remove the sterile SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper from its package and open the zipper. With the zipper opened, remove the paper cover from one of the adhesive strips.

The wound should be elongated manually to draw the wound edges closer. The first adhesive surface is applied to the skin gradually, with gentle pressure. It is important that a distance of 0.5 cm is maintained between the zipper teeth and the edge of the wound.

Apply the second side of the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper to the skin. Here again, it is important that a distance of 0.5 cm is maintained between the zipper teeth and the edge of the wound. Gently press the two adhesive surfaces against the skin in order to achieve full adhesion. As you can see, the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper follows the wound edges in a slightly oval shape.

It is crucial that the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper be applied 0.5 cm parallel to the wound edges to ensure proper wound closure and healing. If this does not happen and the distance is excessive, wound edge necrosis due to excessive compressive force of the wound edges may result.
Subcutaneous sutures are recommended if indicated by standard surgical procedure (i.e. deep abdominal wounds, gaping deep wounds, obese patients, Pfanennstiel incisions, patients on anti-coagulants, OB/GYN Cesarean Section, etc.)
It is also essential that the zipper extend beyond the wound ends by 1-2 cm on either end to maintain even spacing between the row of zipper teeth and the wound edge, and thus maintain even compressive force against the wound edges.

To prevent stress to the wound while closing the zipper, hold the loop nearest the zipper slider with one hand, as shown. With the other hand, lift gently on the zipper tab and push the slider closed. To achieve better wound closure, adjust the wound edges with forceps, if necessary.

While gently closing the zipper, observe how the wound edges approximate. The edges of the wound should come together and touch without leaving any gaps or overlapping. If this is not the case, remove the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper and apply a new SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper paying special attention to Step 4. Caution: Do not reuse the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper; if reused, proper adhesion cannot be guaranteed.

Additional sterile dressing and gauze may be applied at the discretion of the medical practitioner applying the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper. It is common for the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper to be infiltrated with dried blood (particularly in the teeth of the zipper). If postoperative bleeding continues after 2-3 days or new postoperative bleeding or secretion of fluids is evident from the wound, the wound will need to be examined by a medical practitioner.
Bathing is not recommended. Caution should be taken to ensure that the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper remains dry at all times. If it does become wet, it should be carefully patted dry with a dry cloth or towel immediately. Do not dry with a hair dryer or any other heating element or device.

Removal of SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper is at the discretion of the physician and should be based on the day of removal for non-absorbable skin sutures for the specific area of the incision. If patients are directed to remove the product themselves, they should never do so before 10 days post-operatively with any incision. The adhesiveness of SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper is designed to diminish after the twelfth postoperative day. When you are ready to remove the SURGIZIP™ Surgical Zipper, grasp the holding loop at one end and strip it away gently while in its closed position.