Suture & Staple Materials Flashcards

Which suture material is NOT recommended for use in the urinary tract because it promotes stone formation?

Answer: Silk

Silk suture promotes stone formation and tissue reactivity in the urinary tract and is therefore avoided in urologic procedures.

What is the significance of the color violet on an absorbable suture package?

Answer: It is used to dye undyed sutures for visibility

Violet-dyed absorbable sutures (such as coated Vicryl) are colored to enhance visibility in tissue during placement.

A surgeon asks for a 'free tie.' What does this mean?

Answer: A strand of suture material without a needle used to tie off a vessel

A free tie (tie on a pass) is a length of suture without a needle, used to tie off vessels or pedicles directly.

The GIA stapler fires staples in rows of how many staples total?

Answer: Four rows (two per side)

The GIA stapler fires four rows of staples (two rows on each side of the blade) while cutting between them.

Which characteristic distinguishes a reverse cutting needle from a conventional cutting needle?

Answer: The cutting edge is on the outer curve instead of the inner curve

A reverse cutting needle has the third cutting edge on the outer curvature, reducing the risk of tissue cut-out compared to conventional cutting needles.

What is 'knot security' in suture terminology?

Answer: The ability of a suture to hold a knot without slipping or untying

Knot security refers to the suture material's ability to maintain a tied knot without slippage, which is especially important with monofilament sutures.

Which absorbable suture is derived from glycolic acid and lactic acid polymers and marketed as Vicryl?

Answer: Polyglactin 910

Vicryl is the brand name for polyglactin 910, a copolymer of 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide.