Suture and Biomaterials Flashcards
(40 cards)
What are the six suture characteristics to consider?
Suture size Flexibility Surface characteristic/coating Capillarity Knot strength + secruity
What is the size range of suture?
12-0 (smallest) to 7 (largest)
What is memory?
Inherent capability of suture to return to or maintain original shape
What does memory refer to?
Flexibility
What, besides memory, plays a role in flexibility?
Torsional stiffness + Diameter
What is the most flexible type of suture?
Silk
What is drag?
Amount of friction created as suture is pulled through the skin
What happens when a suture has high drag?
Creates more micro-trauma
What type of tissue has more drag?
Braided
What is the main reason that braided suture is coated?
To decrease capillarity
What is capillarity?
Degree to which absorbed fluid is transferred along suture
What type of suture tends to have the highest capillarity?
Multifilament
Do monofilament sutures have capillarity?
No
What types of coatings can be on suture?
Water soluble or insoluble
What does an antibacterial coating on suture do?
Creates a zone of INHIBITION around suture
What is tensile strength?
Ability of material to resist deformation and breakage
What causes a decrease in tensile strength?
As suture is absorbed/stretches
What happens to tensile strength as an incision site heals?
Decrease in tensile strength of the suture and increase in the tissue
What is relative knot security?
Strength require to break or untie a knot
What type of suture tends to have the best knot security?
Braided
What can the surgeon do to decrease the suture tensile strength?
Grab the suture with an instrument
What is elasticity?
Degree to which suture will dorm under stress or load + return to original form when load is removed
What is plasticity?
degree to which suture will deform without breaking and then maintain shape
What is pliability?
Ease of handling and ability of suture to change shape
