Suture Materials Flashcards
How would the ideal suture material interact with tissue?
Maintains strength until wound strength develops Rapidly resorbed when no longer required Encapsulated WITHOUT post op complications Easily removed Minimal tissue reaction Does not favour bacterial growth Minimal drag through tissues Suitable for ALL wounds
How would the ideal suture material interact with the surgeon?
Easy to handle - pliable, low memory (doesn’t coil up)
Good knot security
What material properties would the ideal suture material have?
Easy to sterilise Non-capillary = doesn’t wick Non- electrolytic? Non-corrosive Non-allergenic Non-carcinogenic
What practical considerations influence which suture materials are considered ideal?
Inexpensive
Readily available
Available in a range of sizes
How can we classify suture material?
Origin and manufacture - natural vs synthetic
Persistence - absorbable vs non-absorbable
Structure - multifilament vs monofilament
Compare natural and synthetic fibres
Natural - more inflammation
- Variable absorption
Synthetic - less reaction and predictable absorption due to testing by manufacturer
Compare absorbable and non-absorbable sutures
Absorbable - temporary wound support
- loss of strength LESS THAN 60 days
Non-absorbable - elicits tissue reaction and encapsulation
- strength persists MORE THAN 60 days
What is the difference between short and long duration absorbable sutures?
Short duration - LESS than 21 days
Long duration - MORE than 21 days
(Still less than 60 in total)
When might you use non-absorbable sutures?
Tendons
Patients at risk of reduced wound healing
Compare multifilament and monofilament suture
Multifilament - easier to handle
- Better knot security
- INCREASED CAPILLARITY/WICKING
Monofilament
- less tissue drag
- weakened when crushed
When would you NOT use multifilament?
For a contaminated wound
How can coating affect suture
coating multifilament makes it act more like monofilament - improves handling and reduces drag
Why might you want dyed suture?
Improves visibility e.g. in abdominal cavity
What packaging can suture come in?
Cassette (reel)
Individual packets
