Emerging Issues and Opportunities for Medical Entrepreneurs in the Field of Wound Closure Technology

Abstract

Surprisingly the wound closure devices are applied more for aesthetics applications of body contouring, hair removal, and skin resurfacing and rejuvenation; cosmetic, general, dentistry applications; gynecologic applications; ophthalmic applications including age related macular degeneration, vision correction and many more, than for post surgery due to accidents. The wound closure market is currently dominated by conventional bandages, dressings and surgical staples or sutures, but today it rely on biomaterials, tissue engineering and biotechnology, which are methodically fast expanding and represent a paradigm shift away from the traditional methods and training of surgical teams. The wound closure devices markets in Europe and the U.S. alone is projected to climb $4.1 billion in the year 2011 and in next five years it is expected to provide painless and suture-less wound closure, assuring a safer, faster and efficient closure of wounds. Issues related to this field are multidimensional and they need a proper coordination of professionals from science, medical, paramedical, engineering and legal field. One of such emerging methodology, relating all fields is "Design For Repeatability and Reproducibility" (DFRR), is discussed in this paper. Other relevant methodologies are established and applied so as the entrepreneur can handle the emerging issues in timely and in cost effective way. Result obtained from the applied methodology and findings are discussed and suggestions are made. The suggestions made in this paper will give new directions to the academicians, researchers, and decision makers in the emerging field of wound closure techniques so as to guide the entrepreneur to succeed in his business.