Four different brands of surgical glues are approved for human use in the US.
Emergency rooms, surgical suites, and many other health care settings find that topical skin glues are a safe and effective way to close wounds and prevent infection. Use of skin adhesives can help reduce the pain and fear that may accompany stitching the wound closed. Certain areas are not appropriate for this option, including areas where the skin receives a lot of pull and stretch and in the mouth or eyes.
Dermabond®
Dermabond® is a Johnson and Johnson product that was first released in January 1998. It was the first surgical skin adhesive approved in the US. Dermabond® has a purple tint that allows the health care professional to see where it is applied. It comes in a single-use applicator. According to Ethicon, a division of Johnson and Johnson, Dermabond® is recommended for facial wounds and surgeries because it does not leave scarring like sutures.
Liquiband®
LiquiBand® Surgical skin adhesive was first marketed in the United Kingdom, and became available in the United States in 2009. Liquiband® comes in single-use containers. Liquiband® comes in seven different types of applicators. Each applicator is designed for a specific set of use circumstances and conditions. These include applicators for use in general surgery, laparoscopic surgeries, lacerations and minor wounds.
Histoacryl®
Histoacryl® Topical Skin Adhesive is marketed by Aesculap. Their marketing material says it bonds in 30 seconds. Histoacryl® comes in a clear or blue tint. Hystoacryl® is available in single use applicators.
According to Tissue Seal's website, Histoacryl does not contain stabilizers, and thus is stronger and needs fewer applications than similar products. The manufacturer also says that this difference keeps the applicators from clogging or drying out. The formula dries when it comes into contact with water or water-containing tissues like skin. Hystoacryl® was created and first marketed in Germany in 1968.
Indermil®
Indermil® Tissue Adhesive was approved in September 2002 for use in closing incisions and lacerations. The product is recommended for use in closing laparoscopic incisions. Indermil® is marketed by United States Surgical. It comes in single-use applicators.
Nexaband®
Nexaband® is a veterinarian grade of Dermabond®. It is used in veterinarian clinics to close wounds on cats and dogs. Nexaband® is colorless and recommended specifically for cat declawing procedures. It is marketed by Abbott Animal Health and is not appropriate for use on people.
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