US Patent 8679153 Method and apparatus for surgically closing an open abdomen

An open abdomen wound as a result of injury or surgery is closed using fastener sheets, such as hook and loop fastener sheets, that are attached at opposing edges of the wound using bolsters through which surgical suture thread is passed to secure the abdominal wall between the fastener sheets and the bolsters. Tension forces are exerted on the fastener sheets and the sheets secured to one another in one or more steps drawing the wound edges toward one another. The tension forces are distributed by the bolsters to avoid loss of tissue at the wound edges. Successful closure of the wound is possible.