A dispensing device configured to operate with an adhesive backed mesh andbacking film for tissue bonding isdisclosed. The dispensing device provides for low-friction, low force pay-outof a desired length of an adhesive backed mesh to awound site. The device prevents or eliminates distortion of the mesh prior toapplication to the wound site, and includes means forreducing or eliminating binding during use. The dispensing device isconfigured to operate in a "forward" mode (substrate to whichmesh is applied passes beneath applicator after mesh is applied) to provideessentially an unobstructed view of the wound site duringuse.
