Medical adhesives are considered to be a strong alternative to sutures in future clinical applications. Cyanoacrylates were first used for clinical applications in the early 1960s and have received prominent attention as a medical polymer. However, even today, few surgeons use cyanoacrylate adhesives except in unusual circumstances or in emergency cases. Improvements in biocompatibility, adhesion, and application characteristics will need to be addressed before these materials gain greater acceptance. This review provides a description of the chemistry, main categories, formulation modifications, and clinical applications of medical-grade cyanoacrylate adhesives that have been developed over the last 50 years. The review also recognizes the value of cyanoacrylate adhesives in surgery today, their future potential if unmet needs can be satisfi ed, and the most likely pathways for improvement