What does the size of a suture correlate with?
Diameter of the suture
Greater the number of zeroes, the smaller the suture.
What is the strength of a suture?
Force required to break a knotted suture strand
Should be as strong as the tissue it is placed in.
What does memory in sutures refer to?
Capacity to return to a previous shape
Lower memory = improved knot security.
What are the two main types of suture materials?
Natural vs. Synthetic
Rate of absorption of natural materials is unpredictable.
What is a key characteristic of synthetic sutures?
Predictable degradability and not affected by infection/inflammation.
What distinguishes absorbable sutures from nonabsorbable sutures?
Absorbable sutures lose their breaking strength within 60 days.
What are the two methods of construction for sutures?
Monofilament vs. Multifilament.
What is a characteristic of monofilament sutures?
Single strand
Less drag through tissues and minimal knot security.
What is a characteristic of multifilament sutures?
Several strands together
Good knot security but more susceptible to bacterial colonization.
What type of suture needle is swaged?
Needles are attached to suture
Minimal tissue damage and less traumatic.
What is the disadvantage of eyed needles?
Traumatic to surrounding tissues.
What type of needles are used for skin?
Cutting needles.
What type of needles are used for intestines?
Tapered needles.
What type of needles are used for friable tissues?
Blunt needles.
What is an advantage of interrupted suture techniques?
Increased control of suture tension.
What is a benefit of continuous suture techniques?
Faster and decreases time of anesthesia.
What is the purpose of tension relieving suture patterns?
To avoid dehiscence.
Fill in the blank: The __________ technique forms an air tight, water tight seal.
Continuous
What are examples of tension relieving suture patterns?
Cruciate, Far Near, Near Far.
What is crucial for mastering suture techniques?
Practice, practice, practice.
