Biopsy wound closure device and method

A closure device for the repair of skin tissue, controlling bleeding, and reducing the likelihood of inducing excess scar tissue, during a routine skin biopsy procedure, comprising:

• a sharp surgical punch having a diameter within a range of about 2 to 6 millimeters for taking a specimen of skin from said biopsy site;
• a pre-formed cylindrical sponge which is about the same diameter as the diameter of said circular blade of said punch used for excising said specimen of skin for said biopsy;
• and an applicator for implanting said sponge into a bleeding site caused by the excising of said specimen, said applicator having a rod, one end portion thereof being loosely attached to said sponge, and having a fibrous cotton wad, said wad being attached to an opposite end portion of said rod.

A method for performing a skin biopsy procedure, said method comprising the steps of:

• implanting a pre-formed closely fitting sterile sponge detachably held on an end of an applicator into the space from which a biopsy specimen of epidermis and subcutaneous tissue has been excised with a cylindrical punch;
• applying pressure with a wad of fibrous cotton held on an opposite end of said applicator to said sterile sponge to control bleeding from said excised area.

The method recited in 12 further comprising the steps of removing said dressing and cleaning said excised area twice a day with rubbing alcohol or a hydrogen peroxide solution until healing has been completed.