Abstract: A system for measuring and monitoring wound hermaticity of a patient is provided that includes one or more sensors for measuring parameters that correlate to a degree of wound hermaticity, where the one or more sensors are incorporated into the design of a percutaneous skin access device (PAD), a bone anchor, a wound dressing, or a bandage. The degree of wound hermaticity is related to impedance measurements performed on the patient's skin, via measurements of humidity in a vacuum line to the PAD or the bone anchor, or via measurements of local tissue oxygenation in the immediate vicinity of the PAD or the bone anchor interface with the patient's skin. The hermaticity measurement parameters are communicated by wired or wireless connection to a computing or a communication device for immediate or remote monitoring.

Abstract: A system for measuring and monitoring wound hermaticity of a patient is provided that includes one or more sensors for measuring parameters that correlate to a degree of wound hermaticity, where the one or more sensors are incorporated into the design of a percutaneous skin access device (PAD), a bone anchor, a wound dressing, or a bandage. The degree of wound hermaticity is related to impedance measurements performed on the patient's skin, via measurements of humidity in a vacuum line to the PAD or the bone anchor, or via measurements of local tissue oxygenation in the immediate vicinity of the PAD or the bone anchor interface with the patient's skin. The hermaticity measurement parameters are communicated by wired or wireless connection to a computing or a communication device for immediate or remote monitoring.

Abstract: This invention describes novel methods and devices for stabilizing and retracting tissue during surgery, in particular internal tissue. Patches of material, preferably biodegradable, are adhered to tissue surfaces. By manipulation of the patches, for example directly with forceps, or via sutures attached to the patches, tissues can be retracted or otherwise manipulated with minimal trauma to the tissues. The method is especially useful in minimally-invasive surgery.