Suture material

Question 1

Which material has a wicking action?

Answer 1

Multifilament

Question 2

What properties should good suture material have?

Answer 2

• Good tensile strength
• Low memory
• Low friction
• Non irritant/ inert

Question 3

How is absorpable suture material degraded?

Answer 3

• Either phagocytosis or hydrolysis (less reactive)

- Synthetic tend to be hydrolysis and natural by phagocytosis

Question 4

What is the main downside of multifilament material?

Answer 4

-More likely to harbour bacteria due to wicking action

Question 5

What are the 3 parts of the needle?

Answer 5

1: point
2: body
3: eye

Question 6

What is meant by a reverse cutting needle?

Answer 6

Sharp point of needle is on inner surface of the radius

Question 7

What is the benefit of swaged on needles?

Answer 7

• Single use so they don’t blunt

- Less tissue trauma

Question 8

What is ductility?

Answer 8

Ability of the needle to break without breaking

Question 9

What do you match the curve of the needle with?

Answer 9

The depth of the wound

Question 10

Describe the properties of PDS

Answer 10

• Inert/ absorpable

- Slow breakdown, can support the wound for 50-60 days

Question 11

How can you help support wound healing and prevent infection?

Answer 11

• Minimise tissue trauma
• Eliminate dead space
• Reduce amount of suture material present in wound
• Choose inert material

Question 12

What is plasticity?

Answer 12

The suture material will change form (high memory and stretch will change to straighter)

Question 13

What is elasticity?

Answer 13

Ability of the material to stretch

Question 14

List the natural suture materials

Answer 14

• Catgut
• Silk
• Surgical steel

Question 15

Describe the properties of monofilament materials

Answer 15

• Smooth surface so less tissue drag
• Doesn’t support bacterial growth
• No wicking action
• High memory
• Stiff ends can cause irritation if you bury the knot

Question 16

Describe the properties of multifilament materials

Answer 16

• Multifilaments mean more tissue drag/ trauma
• Wicking action supports bacterial growth
• Soft/ pliable and well tolerated by patients

Question 17

What is USP based on?

Answer 17

Tensile strength

metric is based on diameter

Question 18

How does the connell suture pattern differ from the cushing?

Answer 18

The needle goes full thickness through the wound edge to make the edges invert. In a cushing the needle doesn’t go through fully (doesn’t enter the lumen)

Question 19

What are the main causes of suture dehiscence?

Answer 19

• Knot slipping
• Knot breakage
• Tissue laceration

Question 20

What are the benefits of doing a surgeon’s knot over a square knot?

Answer 20

First throw is a double throw which provides more friction so reducing loosening.

Question 21

Which wounds are good for closing with a cruciate mattress?

Answer 21

• Skin

- Wounds under tension

Question 22

Which wounds can you close well with a simply continuous?

Answer 22

• Viscera
• Fascia
• Muscle

Question 23

What is the main benefit of intradermal stitches?

Answer 23

-Pet can’t nibble/ interfere with the sutures