Suture and Wound Closure Comprehensive Review

Initial vocabulary and classification terms for suture materials, packaging, and needles based on the lecture transcript.

Absorbable

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/endoscopic) procedures.

Enzymatic action

The biologic breakdown of suture material by enzymes produced by the body.

Gauge

A measurement of the diameter (size) of suture material.

Hydrolysis

The chemical breakdown of suture material by water in the body.

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.

Natural sutures

Sutures derived from biologic sources such as plant or animal origin.

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

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

Synthetic

Sutures that are man-made from chemical polymers rather than derived from natural sources.

Tensile Strength

The amount of force a suture can withstand before breaking, or its ability to maintain wound closure under tension.

Tissue drag

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

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.

Silk

A natural non-absorbable suture derived from silkworms.

Catgut

A natural absorbable suture derived from animal intestines.

Vicryl (polyglactin 910)

A synthetic, braided absorbable suture that is broken down by hydrolysis.

Monocryl (poliglecaprone)

A synthetic absorbable suture with a tensile strength duration of approximately $1-2$ weeks.

PDS (polydioxanone)

A synthetic absorbable suture with an absorption time of approximately $180$ days.

Chromic gut

Natural absorbable suture treated with chromium salts to slow absorption; maintains tensile strength for $10-21$ days.

Nylon (Ethilon)

A synthetic monofilament non-absorbable suture.

Polypropylene (Prolene)

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

Taper needle

A needle with a round body and pointed tip that separates tissue fibers instead of cutting; used for soft tissues like muscle and blood vessels.

Conventional cutting needle

A needle with a triangular cross-section and the cutting edge on the inside curve.

Reverse cutting needle

A needle with a triangular cross-section and the cutting edge on the outside curve.

Blunt needle

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