U.S. Markets for Current and Emerging Wound Closure Technologies, 2001-2011

Since its inception and commercialization in the 1980s, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), or endoscopic surgery, has been driving surgical innovation. One of the major barriers to the adoption of minimally invasive techniques has been the difficulty associated with performing the simple task of knot tying. Suturing is still performed with a needle, thread, and significant dexterity on the part of the surgeon. Advances in visualization, miniature instrumentation, and general learning curve advancement have afforded the best laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeons the ability to tie intracorporeally. To date, however, suturing and tying knots continue to be technical hurdles to the procedural adoption of MIS.