Practice Test Geeks(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test
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Suture & Staple Materials Flashcards

7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Suture & Staple Materials flashcards as text

  1. Which stapler type is used to perform a linear resection AND simultaneous stapled closure of both cut ends?

    Answer: GIA stapler

    The GIA (gastrointestinal anastomosis) stapler fires two double staggered rows of staples while simultaneously cutting between them.

  2. Which suture material has memory (tendency to return to original shape), making it difficult to handle?

    Answer: Polypropylene (Prolene)

    Polypropylene has high memory and is slippery, requiring extra throws in knots to prevent untying.

  3. What does the term 'tensile strength' refer to in relation to suture material?

    Answer: The force required to break the suture

    Tensile strength is the amount of force (in pounds or kilograms) required to break the suture material.

  4. Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) loses most of its tensile strength within approximately how many days?

    Answer: 21 days

    Monocryl loses approximately 50-60% of its tensile strength by 7 days and nearly all strength by 21 days post-implantation.

  5. Which suture is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and used in vascular and cardiac surgery?

    Answer: Gore-Tex (CV-PTFE)

    Gore-Tex suture is made from expanded PTFE (ePTFE), which is highly biocompatible and used in cardiovascular procedures.

  6. When loading a skin stapler, the CST must verify which of the following before handing it to the surgeon?

    Answer: That the safety is disengaged and staples are loaded

    The scrub should confirm the stapler is properly loaded with staples and the safety is off (or ready per surgeon preference) before passing.

  7. Which type of needle tip is used for suturing fascia and tendons due to its ability to penetrate tough tissue?

    Answer: Cutting

    Cutting needles have a triangular cross-section with the cutting edge on the inner curve, designed to penetrate tough fibrous tissues like fascia and tendon.