poor patient follow-up

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of the embrace device after repair of linear cutaneous surgery wounds improves scar cosmesis.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of the embrace device after repair of linear cutaneous surgery wounds improves scar cosmesis. We will use a split wound model, half of the wound is treated with the embrace device and the other half is not treated. Three-months post-surgery, the scar will be measured via the physician observer scar assessment scale, a validated scar instrument. The scar width and adverse events will also be recorded.

Following the surgical repair of cutaneous wounds, scar formation is inevitable and results in varying degrees of aesthetic and/or functional impairment. Numerous treatment modalities have been employed to treat scars. Carbon dioxide and pulse dye lasers, as well as dermabrasion can reduce erythema and irregular topology of the scar surface1,2. Silicone-based products have also been used to treat post-surgical scars, including gels, sheets, and tape3-5. Intralesional steroids are often injected into to induce flattening of a scar6. More recent research has highlighted the impact of mechanical forces and tension on scar formation. In one report, incisions in both pigs and humans were treated with a tension-shielding device and showed a reduction in scarring7. More recently two clinical trials have been published in the plastic surgery literature showing that the use of the embrace device, a silicone-based dressing designed to minimize wound tension, is effective in improving the aesthetic outcome following scar revision surgery8,9. While these initial studies of the embrace device have promising findings, there are significant drawbacks to both studies including small study population, inclusion of patients seeking scar revision (a select group likely predisposed to poor scar cosmesis and not representative of first-time surgical patients), investigator conflict of interest, and the use of a digital software-based scar assessment tool using patients photos that were not standardized with respect to lighting or distance. Therefore, larger studies in first-time surgical patients with standardized photos for scar assessment are required to validate this potentially promising device for improved scar cosmesis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Able to give informed consent themselves
• Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure along a flat surface suitable to application of the embrace with predicted primary closure.
• Able to apply dressings themselves.
• Willing to return for follow up visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mentally handicapped
• Unable to understand written and oral English
• Incarceration
• Under 18 years of age
• Pregnant Women
• Wounds with predicted closure length less than 3 cm
• Patients with known adverse reactions to adhesives
• Patients with history of collagen vascular disease

Out of 49 patients, each wound was split into half, with each side receiving one of the two interventions, in total having 98 half wounds.

Baseline Visit (Day 0) to Follow Up Visit (3 Months)

The data collection process for the study included a complication form designed to document all adverse events experienced by participants. The form required detailed information regarding the timing of the complications, the affected side, and any relevant contextual notes. Participants were invited to contact the research team at any time to report AEs. Furthermore, during the three-month follow-up, patients were asked about complication, and the reviewer noted any complications they observed.

Study terminated early due to poor patient follow-up and insufficient data for analysis. Poor patient follow-up was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.