Scalp Expansion with the Canica Wound Closure System: First Case Report

Abstract

The closure of difficult wounds has been an ongoing challenge to the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. New techniques and technology have created innovative methods for this clinical and surgical problem. The Canica Wound Closure System is an external system of tissue expansion that has previously been shown to be successful for delayed abdominal and extremity fasciotomy closures. The hair-bearing scalp is unique in that no other tissue in the human body can adequately simulate it. The first known case in North America of a patient in whom the Canica Wound Closure System was used for the successful closure of a large scalp defect following a resection for a Clark level V melanoma is presented.