1999

Disclosed are methods for draping a surgical site prior to surgery. Specifically, the methods of this invention involve the in situ formation of a cyanoacrylate polymeric drape on the skin surface of a patient peripheral to the surgical site. Surgery is then conducted at the surgical site.

Alkyl cyanoacrylate instant adhesives are widely used because of their fast cure speed and versatility on a large number of substrates. Recent performance improvements, such as increased thermal resistance, resulted from the addition of latent acids and polymers, which do not copolymerize with the adhesive monomer, to the adhesive formulations. However, use of these additives can increase fixture time or reduce the final adhesive strength.

Disclosed are mixed alkyl cyanoacrylate compositions which are specifically formulated for topical application onto intact or broken human skin, preferably without the addition of a plasticizing agent to the composition.