Every wound requires biomaterials to close it. A new book provides comprehensive information on state-of-the-art, innovative biomaterials, devices and techniques used in wound closure.

Wound Closure Biomaterials and Devices (CRC Press, 1997; $110) is the first and only complete resource on the complex and rapidly changing field of wound closure materials. Intended for surgeons, dentists and veterinarians, as well as chemists, material scientists and engineers, the 400-page text is edited by C.C. Chu, Ph.D., a fiber and biomaterials scientist and Cornell University professor of textiles and apparel; J. Anthony von Fraunhofer, Ph.D., F.A.S.M., F.R.S.C., and professor in the department of restorative dentistry at the University of Maryland at Baltimore; and Howard P. Greisler, M.D., professor in the department of surgery at Loyola University.

"The proper closing of wounds can influence the success of surgery and the healing process," said Chu, the author of the preface, introduction and author or co-author of seven of the 12 chapters. "In view of recent advances in materials science and engineering, surgeons now have a wide range of choices of wound closure biomaterials which have vast differences in chemical, mechanical, biological and often biodegradable properties and clinical performance.

"The art of wound closure has become far more complex and demanding, and to date, there has been no single English-language volume to systematically and comprehensively describe all required properties of available wound closure biomaterials and devices," he said.

Wound Closure Biomaterials and Devices focuses on wound healing and the inflammatory response to biomaterials; surgical needs; classification and general characteristics of suture materials; clinical structure and manufacturing processes; mechanical properties; biodegradation properties; biological properties of suture materials; suture techniques and selection; ligating clips and staples; tissue adhesives; and emerging materials for wound closure.

With 135 graphs, 178 illustrations, 123 tables, 1,100 citations and a detailed index, the book will help professionals in clinical practice, research and development, medical school training and medical supply purchasing.