Abstract: The present invention provides a suture band device comprising an elongated flexible band having first and second ends, a needle attached to the first end of the band, a buckle attached proximate the second end of the band for receiving and locking the band, characterised in the that buckle comprises a locking mechanism which enables the band to be locked at any point along its length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material (1) and one or more grips (6) which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets (4) with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing their recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.