Applicator of a spongeous collagen membrane and kit comprising such applicator and membrane

An applicator (2, 3) of a spongeous collagen membrane (M) comprising:

• an applicator body (20, 30) having a proximal end (20a, 30a) and a distal end (20c, 30c) and having a guide (21, 31) extending in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end,
• a sliding element (22, 32) comprising a shaft portion, extending inside the applicator body in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end and slidable along the guide of the applicator body and having a proximal end (22a, 32a) for handling by a user, the sliding element being provided at its distal end with a contact portion (22b, 32b) for contacting the spongeous collagen membrane (M), the contact portion being configured to extend to or past the distal end of the applicator body when sliding the sliding element,
• wherein the contact portion (22b, 32b) of the sliding element (22, 32) comprises mechanical fixation means (24, 34) configured to releasably hold the spongeous collagen membrane (M) without substantially generating forces acting in the distal direction on the spongeous collagen membrane over its area extension,
• wherein the distal end of the applicator body comprises a release surface (25, 35) configured to apply a release force to the spongeous collagen membrane (M) releasing it from the mechanical fixation means (24, 34) for application to a wound site (W), wherein the sliding element comprises a proximal portion (22c) extending proximally beyond the proximal end (20a) of the applicator body, and
• wherein the proximal portion of the sliding element protrudes out of the proximal end of the applicator body and a proximal end cap (20b),
• further comprising a biasing means (26, 36) biasing the sliding element (22, 32) and the applicator body (20, 30) with respect to each other along the direction of the guide (21. 31),
• wherein the biasing means (26, 36) biases the sliding element (22, 32) and the applicator body (20, 30) in a direction in which the contact portion (22b, 32b) of the sliding element is withdrawn proximally past the distal end of the applicator body, and
• wherein the contact portion (22b, 32b) is withdrawn into the applicator body and does not protrude beyond a distal opening (23, 33) of the distal end.