A closure device and method to close the abdomen between surgical procedures and maintain a normal physiologic tension on the fascia to prevent undue retraction. In one embodiment, the closure device includes a “needled carabiner” attached to a rubberband of specific tension. The rubberband mimics the physiologic tension the abdominal wall normally experiences during daily activities and allows the abdominal compartment to expand as needed to maintain a healthy intra-abdominal pressure. The bands contract to maintain the intra-abdominal pressure and slowly pull the abdominal fascia back to the midline to facilitate surgical closure of the abdomen. In one embodiment, the “needled carabiner” includes a hinged surgical needle with a protected cap. The hinged needle is placed outside the normal suture line, thereby limiting the amount of surgical trauma the fascia endures. The strength of the rubberbands may be varied to accommodate differently sized individuals.
