Technical documentation

Alkyl cyanoacrylate compositions comprising at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate, a biocompatible plasticizer (preferably dioctyl phthalate), and SO.sub.2 as an artionic polymerization inhibitor are provided. These compositions are suitable for topical application to human skin.

Disclosed are methods for draping a surgical incision site prior to surgery. Specifically, the methods of this invention involve the in situ formation of a cyanoacrylate polymeric drape over the skin surface at the surgical incision site. An incision is then made through this surface and the surgery is then conducted through the incision

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (povi- done-iodine or PVPI) in water. This solution of SWCNT and PVPI is deposited as a composite film, composed of individual and bundled SWCNTs with a PVPI coating. This material acts as a conductive nanotextured bandage with high flexibility and self contained slow-release antiseptic iodine. Antibacterial properties were tested on Escherichia coli, showing high effi- cacy over 48 h. Four-probe resistance tests showed a sheet resistance of approximately 10 kX/h.

The incidence of postoperative wound infection following the use of an iodophor-incorporated adhesive wound drape with a preliminary one-minute alcohol cleanse was observed in 649 total arthroplasties. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year to detect signs of infection. An infection rate of 0.46% was comparable to the incidence previously observed for conventional methods using an iodine spray as a skin preparation.