Expanded applications for octyl-2-cyanoacrylate as a tissue adhesive

The commercial introduction of octyl-2-cyanoacrylate as a medical-grade tis sue adhesive was intended to be a rapid, painless, suture-free method for c losure of simple lacerations and surgical wounds, The efficiency and theref ore potential economic advantage of this material has led to further invest igations of other possible indications. This glue has now been used in more than 100 different occasions for "off-label" applications including nailbe d repair, skin graft fixation, temporary otoplasty, wound sealant, and othe r forms of wound closure. Complications are virtually nonexistent, and ther e has been no evidence of histotoxicity, The role of this material as an im portant reconstructive tool has not yet been delineated completely, but it appears to have no contraindications if used sensibly.