title: Preliminary evaluation of novel skin closure of Pfannenstiel incisions using cold helium plasma and chitosan films.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the safety and performance of a new energy-based skin closure system (BioWeld1(TM)) for the surgical Pfannenstiel incision in patients scheduled for elective cesarean section.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective, single center, non-randomized study included 20 patients who were scheduled for elective cesarean section. The BioWeld1 system was performed after suturing the internal layers of the cesarean section incision. A clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy was performed for 1, 2, 4-7, 21, and 45 d after the procedure. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to evaluate scarring.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Up to 21 d after the procedure, no safety device-related adverse events were reported. All patients had full closure of the epidermis, a very low total VSS score, and no evidence of discharge, redness, edema, or thermal damage. None of the patients exhibited more than a mild degree of encrustation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The BioWeld1 System has been shown to be safe and effective for skin closure in cesarean section.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center , Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem , Israel .
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hants
authors.forename: Doron
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kabiri
authors.forename: Lior
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Drukker
authors.forename: Abrahamyan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Razmik
authors.forename: Grigoryan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vruyr
authors.forename: Harutyunyan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Arusyak
authors.forename: Gyulkhasyan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vahe
authors.forename: Gian Carlo
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Di Renzo
authors.forename: Yossef
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ezra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods*; D048271:Chitosan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006371:Helium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D058626:Plasma Gases / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D058626:Plasma Gases; D006371:Helium; D048271:Chitosan
keywords: Chitosan; cold helium plasma; skin closure