Surg 101--Chapter 5 (B&K) Flashcards
anastomosis
Creating a patent connection between two tubular structures by use of a suture or specialized staples.
buzzing of forceps
A method of applying the active electrode of a monopolar cautery against an instrument clamped to the patient’s tissue for the purpose of spot hemostasis. The flat side of a metal cautery blade is placed in contact with a clamped instrument below the level of the operator’s hand before activation of the current. The edge of a Teflon-coated cautery blade is placed against an instrument clamped to patient’s tissue below the level of the operator’s hand before activation of the current.
cleavage lines
Tissue planes where the natural line of tissue grwoth permits dissection between areas that maintain anatomic structure.
dissection
Separation of tissue planes by sharp or blunt means.
dynamic tension
The stress on skin caused by underlying musculature, joints, and body motion.
hemostasis
Preventing the loss of blood. Stopping the flow of blood.
incise cut
Scalpel is used in a perpindicular position to slice tissue in a linear direction.
Langer’s lines
Natural lines along skin caused by tension inherent in the structure of the dermal-epidermal layers.
ligation
The act of tying or occuding an anatomic structure.
palmed
Method of holding an instrument where the working end is nested in the palm of the hand of the assistant while the fingers remain free to grasp other items in the field. The working end can be presented and made functional by rotation of the wrist. This method can be used for countertraction with some manual retractors.
perpendicular
The intersection of surfaces at right angles. The scalpel is held perpendicular to the tissue during incision.
press cut
Scalpel is pushed into the tissue rather than slid to incise. Press cutting can be a form of intentional puncture.
raising a flap
Perpendicular contertraction is placed on superficial tissues as large areas are undermined by dissection. Care is taken not to disrupt vascularization of the elevated tissue.
retraction
Displacement of structures by use of the hand or an instrument to expose the surgical site.
scrape-cut
Scalpel is dragged laterally across tissues to separate cell layers rather than full tissue layers.
skin tension
The turgor of the skin that is either static or dynamic. Tension factors largely in the final healing of the incision and the appearance of the scar.
splitting
Separation of muscle tissue along the fascial layers. A form of blunt dissection.
sponging
A method of providing exposure by removal of blood and fluid from the surgical site. The preferred way to sponge is to blot or pat the area so as to not remove biological clots.
static tension
The constant state of skin position over the framework of the body. Also known as Langer’s lines.
suction
Negative pressure used to clear the visual field of blood and body substances. Various styles of tips and tip protectors are used. On occasion, a rigid suction tip can be used to remove fluids and retract tissue simultaneously.
surgical assistant
Member of the sterile team who provides exposure and hemostasis during a surgical procedure. A physician, RNFA, SA, PA, or CST specially trained and certified as a CFA.
suture
(verb) The act of sweing tissues; (noun), a thread used for sewing tissue in surgery.
Thenar grip
Method of holding an instrument in which the ring handle is secured in the palm at the base of the thumb instead of placing the thumb through the ring. A small portion of the ring finger may be situated within the opposing ring of the handle.
traction-countertraction
Displacement of a structure by pulling the tissue in an opposite direction to facilitate sharp or blunt dissection of tissue planes.
transection
Cutting across natural anatomic lines. Can be done by sharp dissection or electrocoagulation.
triangulation
Suturing three opposing points of a tubular structure so that the distance between two points can be approximated in a straight line.
tripod grip
Holding an instrument or scissors in a steady position with the index finger on the box lock hinge and the thumb and ring finger partly in the ring handles for ease of release.
undermining
Dissection of subsurface tissue planes. Care is taken not to devascularize upper layers of tissue.
