Suture and Wound Closure Terminology

A comprehensive vocabulary review of suture terminology, material properties, packaging, and classification based on the lecture notes.

Absorbable

Suture material capable of being absorbed by tissue within a period of time.

Approximation

The process of bringing wound edges together so they align properly for healing.

Bioactivity

The ability of a suture material to interact with or stimulate a biological response in tissue.

Braided

A type of multifilament suture where fibers are woven together in a braided pattern.

Capillarity

The ability of a suture to absorb and transfer fluid along its length.

Coefficient of friction

A measure of the resistance a suture encounters as it passes through tissue.

Elasticity

The ability of a suture to stretch under tension and return to its original length.

Encapsulation

The process by which the body forms fibrous tissue around a suture, isolating it from surrounding tissue.

Endoscopic suture

A suture specifically designed for use in minimally invasive laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures.

Enzymatic action

The biologic breakdown of suture material by enzymes produced by the body, occurring with natural sutures.

Gauge

A measurement of the diameter or size of suture material.

Hydrolysis

The chemical breakdown of suture material by water in the body, occurring with synthetic sutures.

Inert

A material that causes minimal or no tissue reaction when implanted.

Knot security

The ability of a suture knot to remain tied without slipping or loosening.

Ligate

To tie off a blood vessel or duct using suture material.

Memory

The tendency of a suture to return to its original packaged shape.

Monofilament

A suture composed of a single, smooth strand of material.

Multifilament

A suture made of multiple fibers twisted, braided, or spun together.

Nonabsorbable

Sutures that are not broken down by the body and remain indefinitely unless removed.

Pliability

The flexibility and ease with which a suture can be handled and manipulated.

Swaged

A suture that is pre-attached to a surgical needle by the manufacturer, creating a smooth, continuous unit.

Tensile Strength

The amount of force a suture can withstand before breaking.

Tissue drag

The degree of resistance encountered when a suture passes through tissue.

Overwrap

The first sterile barrier surrounding the suture inside the box.

Primary packet

The inner sterile package that contains the actual suture and needle.

Barbed

Suture with tiny barbs along its length that anchor into tissue.

Free tie

A suture without a needle, used for ligation.

Control release

A packaging feature that allows one strand to be removed at a time without tangling.

Plain gut

A natural absorbable suture with a tensile strength duration of $7-10\,\text{days}$ and absorption time of $70\,\text{days}$.

Chromic gut

A natural absorbable suture treated with chromium salts, with a tensile strength duration of $10-21\,\text{days}$ and absorption time of $90\,\text{days}$.

Vicryl (polyglactin 910)

A synthetic absorbable suture with a tensile strength duration of $2-3\,\text{weeks}$ and absorption time of $56-70\,\text{days}$.

Monocryl (poliglecaprone)

A synthetic absorbable suture with a tensile strength duration of $1-2\,\text{weeks}$ and absorption time of $90-120\,\text{days}$.

PDS (polydioxanone)

A synthetic absorbable suture with a tensile strength duration of $4-6\,\text{weeks}$ and absorption time of $180\,\text{days}$.

Silk

A natural non-absorbable suture derived from silkworms known for excellent handling and superior knot security.

Nylon (Ethilon)

A synthetic non-absorbable monofilament suture used for skin closure.

Polypropylene (Prolene)

A synthetic non-absorbable monofilament suture used for cardiovascular surgery and vascular anastomosis.

French eye

A slotted needle eye where the suture is snapped into place.

Cutting needle

A needle with a triangular cross-section designed to cut through tough tissue.

Taper needle

A needle with a round body and pointed tip that separates tissue fibers instead of cutting, used for soft tissues.

Blunt needle

A needle with a rounded tip used for friable tissues like the liver or kidney to reduce injury risk.