Straight to the Point
When would you use a straight needle? When would you use a curved needle?
Straight: for easily accessible tissue, better manipulation
Curved: Can be used for everything from basic skin closure to cardiovascular and ophthalmic procedures
What is the difference between Polysyn and Polysyn FA?
Polysyn FA has quicker absorption
Polysyn mass absorption in 50-90 days
Polysyn FA mass absorption in 49-63 days
What is the difference between Quill and traditional sutures?
Quill has both uni-directional and bi-directional anchors as well as a fixation loop to reduce time in OR spent on knot tying
What is a swage and how does it work?
The connection point of the suture and the needle, micro teeth grip suture to prevent slippage
What are the most notable specs of Quill?
Fast & Efficient
Eliminating suture knot tying can reduce closure time by up to 50% and save an operating room costs
Secure & Strong
Barbs maintain tension once engaged in tissue
Superior anchoring strength to hold wound edges together during approximation with minimal tissue trauma
Improved Outcomes
Helps reduce knot-related complications and is ideal for scar cosmesis
What is a MET and what are the benefits of micro suture needles?
MET= Micro Edge Taper
Needles provide world renowned sharpness and strength enabling the best outcomes
Stainless steel alloy for maximum strength ductility, and hardness
What major factors can affect tensile strength loss and absorption rates?
Type of suture
Plain gut suture generally absorbs more rapidly than chromic gut suture
Infection
Gut suture is absorbed more rapidly in infected tissue than in non-infected tissue
Tissue sites
Gut suture will absorb more rapidly in tissue where increased levels of proteolytic enzymes are present
What is the difference between straight cutting, taper cutting, and reverse cutting needles?
Straight cutting: Has cutting edges along a straight shaft; used for easily accessible surfaces.
Taper cutting: Has a sharp tip with a round body; pierces and spreads tissue without tearing—good for delicate or soft tissue.
Reverse cutting: Cutting edge is on the outer curve; reduces risk of tissue tearing—ideal for tougher tissue like skin.
When/why would you use a stainless steel suture?
Heavy Stainless Steel: closing sternum, fixation of fractures, and/or large tendon repairs
Fine Stainless Steel: abdominal wall repairs
Superior tensile strength, resistant to corrosion, visibility on X-Rays