Sutures Flashcards
Absorbable suture characteristics
Undergoes degradation and loses tensile strength within 60 days
What is tensile strength
The force the suture strand can withstand before it breaks
What are nonabsorbable
Sutures that retain tensile strength for more than 60 days or permanent
Describe monofilament
Withstand contamination.. Stiffer because it has a better memory
What is memory
Tendency of a suture to return to its original packaged form
What is multifilament
Several strands braided or twisted together. More pliable and easy to tie. Stimulate tissue reaction
Describe the ideal suture material
Versatile Easy to handle Have high tensile strength No memory No tissue reaction
3 type of suture needle attachment
Closed eye
French eye
Swaged
3 types of suture needle
Conventional cutting needle
Reverse cutting needle
Taper needle
What impacts suture material choice
Nutritional status Inadequate blood supply Chronic disease Infection Drugs
What is the typical length of the suture ear
3 mm
What is the Length of the skin ear
10-15mm
What is the average distance from incised placement
Usually 5 mm
What is the distance between each suture
Depends on the amount of tension that will be exerted on the incision
What is the pro of. Interrupted sutures
It’s ok if a suture breaks. Can adjust tension at each suture
What is the con to interrupted sutures
More time and more consuming of materials
What are the pros to continuous sutures
Less material, faster, tighter
What are the disadvantages to continuous sutures
Less control of tension
Less risk of suture breaking
What is the con to the interrupted suture pattern
Excessive amount of tension
When do you use interrupted suture pattern
Skin, fascia,blood vesssels
Why do you use a horizontal mattress suture
To spread tension evenly along the Wound
When do you use a vertical mattress suture
When there is greater tension than normal
Why do you use a cross mattress suture
To prevent eversion and easy to remove
Why do you use simple continuous
Fast, less material, good adisposition, excessive tension can cause puckering
Why do you do an interlocking suture
Helps to distribute tension
Provides good adisposition
Fast
For large animals
Why do you do a transfixed ligature
For larger vessels
Prevents slippage
What’s the advantage of staples
Quick placement
Minimal tissue reaction
Low infection risk
What is the cons of staples
Less precise
Expensive
Why do we use sutures
Hold wound edges
Replace function (ex ligament) u Hold tube, organ etc. in place
