LEUKOCLIP CART

Closing a wound accurately, quickly, and with minimal tissue handling reduces the risk of complications and supports good cosmetic outcomes. Skin clips provide a reliable method of wound edge approximation that does not require threading suture material through tissue. Leukoclip is a skin clip wound closure system from Smith & Nephew. The clips are applied across the wound edges using the dedicated applicator cartridge, drawing the skin together and holding it in position while the wound heals. Two cartridge sizes: 10W and 35W. Clinical application by a trained healthcare professional. No prescription required.

Leukoclip is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is a skin clip wound closure system consisting of sterile metal clips delivered from a cartridge applicator. The clips are applied across a wound or incision to approximate the wound edges, holding the skin in alignment while healing progresses beneath the closed surface. The system provides a fast and consistent method of wound closure that can be applied with less tissue handling than traditional suturing.

The FD cartridge format is a pre loaded disposable applicator containing the clips in a ready-to-apply configuration. Two cartridge sizes are available: the 10W cartridge for smaller wounds requiring fewer clips, and the 35W cartridge for longer wounds or clinical settings managing larger numbers of wounds where a 35-clip supply per cartridge is more practical.

Leukoclip clips are applied to the outside of the skin surface only. They do not penetrate the dermis as sutures do, but span the wound gap and grip the epidermal surface on both sides to hold the wound edges together. This makes the application less traumatic for the tissue immediately at the wound edge than techniques that pass material through the tissue.

Clips are temporary. Once the wound has healed sufficiently, the clips are removed using a dedicated clip remover. Removal timing depends on wound location and clinical progress, typically between five and ten days after application, but guided by clinical assessment.

Leukoclip is a surgical wound closure device and must be applied by a trained healthcare professional. It is not suitable for self-application by patients. If clips are applied in a clinical setting and you are managing the wound at home during healing, follow the care instructions provided by the clinical team. Do not attempt to remove clips yourself. Clips must be removed by a healthcare professional using the appropriate clip remover device.

Wound Edge Approximation

The Leukoclip cartridge applicator positions and deploys each clip across the wound gap. The clip spans from one wound edge to the other, gripping the skin surface on both sides. When deployed, the clip draws the wound edges together and holds them in close approximation. The tension in the clip maintains the wound closure throughout the healing period. Accurate placement of each clip at a consistent distance from the wound edge and consistent spacing between clips produces an even wound closure.

Speed and Consistency

The cartridge applicator format allows each clip to be positioned and deployed in a single action. The applicator advances to the next clip after each deployment. For longer wounds requiring multiple clips, the cartridge system allows consistent spacing to be maintained across the full wound length more efficiently than managing individual sutures. This speed of application is particularly relevant in emergency and operative settings where wound closure time is a clinical consideration.

Clip Removal

At the appropriate time after healing, the clips are removed using a dedicated clip remover device. The remover opens each clip and releases it from the skin without cutting the skin surface. Clip removal is typically straightforward and requires no anaesthesia. The clinical team responsible for wound care determines the appropriate removal time based on wound location, healing progress, and the specific patient.

Avoiding Tissue Penetration

Because Leukoclip clips grip the outer skin surface rather than passing through the dermis, they avoid some of the tissue reactions associated with suture material placed inside the tissue. The wound closure is maintained at the skin surface level. The wound edges below the skin surface come together as the clips approximate the outer skin, allowing the dermal and subcutaneous layers to close and heal from within.

Clinical Application

• Leukoclip is applied by a trained healthcare professional.
• The wound is prepared and irrigated before clip application.
• The wound edges are held in approximation while the first clip is positioned across the gap.
• The applicator is pressed against the skin to deploy the clip.
• Subsequent clips are applied at consistent intervals along the wound length.
• Each deployed clip grips the skin on both sides of the wound and holds the edges in contact.

Wound Care During Healing

• Follow the care instructions provided by the clinical team after clip application.
• Keep the wound area clean and dry as directed.
• A light dressing may be applied over the clips if clinically indicated.
• Attend the scheduled review appointment for clip removal.
• Contact the clinical team if the clips loosen, the wound edges separate, or signs of infection develop.

Clip Removal

• Clips are removed by a healthcare professional at the appropriate time using a dedicated clip remover.
• Do not attempt to remove clips at home.
• Removal timing is guided by wound location and healing progress, typically five to ten days.

If a clip comes loose before removal is due, or if the wound edges begin to separate under the clips, contact the clinical team promptly. Do not attempt to reapply or adjust clips yourself. If the wound shows signs of infection under or around the clips, seek clinical assessment without delay.

Leukoclip 10W Cartridge

The 10W cartridge contains 10 skin clips in a preloaded applicator. Suited to shorter wounds and incisions requiring fewer clips for closure. Practical for minor surgical wounds, small lacerations, and clinical settings where smaller wound lengths are the routine.

Leukoclip 35W Cartridge

The 35W cartridge contains 35 skin clips in a preloaded applicator. Suited to longer wounds, surgical incisions of greater length, and clinical environments where a larger clip supply per cartridge is operationally practical. The 35W allows a longer wound to be closed without changing cartridges mid-procedure.

Both cartridge sizes use the same clip design and are applied using the same applicator mechanism. Cartridge selection is based on the expected number of clips required for the wound being closed.

When Not to Use Leukoclip

• Wounds that are infected or heavily contaminated at the time of closure.
• Wounds under high tension where clip grip alone cannot maintain wound edge approximation.
• Wounds in body locations where clips would be difficult to keep in place, such as scalp wounds with dense hair, unless specifically indicated.
• Known sensitivity to the clip material (stainless steel or the clip components).

Precautions

• Application and removal must be performed by a trained healthcare professional.
• Do not apply over infected wounds.
• Keep clips dry and protected during the healing period as directed.
• Attend all scheduled review appointments.

Adverse Effects

• Local skin reaction under or around clips in sensitive individuals.
• Wound edge separation if clips are under excessive tension or are applied to an unsuitable wound.
• Infection risk if the wound is contaminated prior to closure or if the wound is not kept clean during healing.

Wounds and Settings Where Leukoclip Is Appropriate

• Surgical wound closure in operative and minor surgery settings where a clip system is preferred over sutures
• Traumatic laceration closure in emergency departments and urgent care settings
• Skin graft donor site closure
• Any clean wound requiring reliable skin edge approximation by a trained clinician

Leukoclip is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. Both the 10W and 35W cartridges are available from Pharmacy Planet for clinical purchasers.

Our pharmacists can advise on cartridge selection for specific wound management requirements.

Leukoclip is a clinical tool requiring trained application and removal. It is purchased for use by healthcare professionals and clinical settings, not for independent patient self-care.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if packaging is damaged or the sterile seal is broken.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Dispose of used applicators as clinical waste.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Both Leukoclip cartridge sizes are genuine Smith & Nephew products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on skin clip cartridge selection and on other wound closure products available from the Smith & Nephew range.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Leukoclip FD — Instructions for Use. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound closure: selection of method and materials. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. NHS. Treatment of cuts, lacerations and wounds. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes. Accessed June 2026.