Suture Material Principles Flashcards
How do natural vs. synthetic materials compare in tissue reaction and absorption?
Natural - tissue inflam. reaction, variable adsorption.
Synthetic - less reaction, predictable adsorption.
How are absorbable materials classified? How long do they last?
An absorbable material has a loss of strength 21 days.
How long do non-absorbable materials last? What else is important about them?
Strength persists >60 days. They elicit a tissue reaction and are encapsulated.
How do multifilament and monofilament materials compare in handling, knot security etc?
Multifilament - easier to handle, better knot security, but increased risk of infection (wicking).
Monofilament - less tissue drag, can weaken when crushed.
How can coating affect a material?
Coating decreases tissue drag and improves handling.
What suture material size would you usually use in cats and dogs? How does delicate tissue and tough tissue affect suture size?
3 metric in dogs, 2 metric in cats.
Delicate tissue reduce by 1-2 metric.
Tough tissue increase by 0.5-1 metric.
What type of material should you avoid in contaminated wounds? Why?
Multifilament, because there is already increased chance of infection.
What type of material should you avoid in hollow organs?
Non-absorbable.
What type of material should you use in fascia/tendon?
Slow/non-absorbable material
When should you avoid using Catgut? Why?
In inflamed, infected or acidic wounds. Why? Because catgut causes a reaction, and acidity can make it dissolve more.
