Most invasive surgeries involve the use of several components and apparatus. The doctors close the wound such that the bleeding and infection are prevented. This is made possible by using surgical equipment and procedures called sutures, which require suturing apparatus. In this post, we will learn about all the suturing instruments before you order surgical instruments in Australia.
First of all, you need to keep in mind that sutures are different from stitches. Suture is the name of the medical device used to repair the wound, while stitching is the technique used to close the wound. Surgical sutures are one of the most common instruments doctors use during surgeries. Sutures help in the reattachment of body tissues after an injury or surgery. It includes the use of needles with an attached thread. When you order surgical instruments in Australia, you can get surgical sutures in various sizes, shapes and thread materials. The suturing kit includes needle holders, tissue-handling forceps with teeth and hooks, scissors, and the suturing material.
The primary aim of suturing is to prevent infection from spreading to the wound and assist in reducing wound bleeding. Creating an appealing scar rather than a horrific scar or tissue is also essential. Research is being done focusing on the aesthetics of wound healing rather than the risk of infection since it is minimal when using sutures. There are also various options available to make the procedure a therapeutic experience.
Suture Material
The types of sutures can also be classified in many ways. To start with, suture material can be either absorbable or non-absorbable. The former does not need to be removed by doctors because the enzymes found in our body tissues naturally digest them. In comparison, the latter should be removed by the doctors at a later date or left in place indefinitely. The suture instruments can also be classified based on the actual structure of the material. There are monofilament sutures made of a single thread, making it easier for it to pass through the tissues. You can also find braided sutures made of several small threads braided together. This type of suture improves security and increases the risk of infection.Thirdly, sutures can also be classified as synthetic or natural.
- Gut Suture: catgut sutures are naturally absorbable monofilament sutures with high tensile strength. This suture maintains optimal strength to hold the tissue together. They are smooth and flexible with good knotting that can completely disappear in 60-120 days. Catgut sutures are mostly used in rapidly healing tissues.
- Poliglecaprone (MONOCRYL): synthetic monofilament sutures used for soft tissue repair. They cannot be used in cardiovascular or neurological procedures. They are mostly used to close the skin in an unnoticeable way.
- Polydioxanone (PDS) is a synthetic monofilament suture mostly used for abdominal closures and soft-tissue wounds. They are also used during pediatric cardiac procedures.
Suture Needles
Doctors need to insert the sutures into the tissues, which is done by using suture needles that transport the material through the wound with minimal trauma. Suture needles are typically rigid enough to resist distortion but also flexible enough to bend before breaking. Thin needles can be used to reduce trauma depending on the severity of the wound. The needle should also be sharp enough to penetrate the tissue with negligible penetration and stable sufficient for accurate placement. They are mostly made of stainless steel and are of the following types:
- Sharp suture needle, which pierces and spreads the tissues with minimal cutting. It is used in areas where leakage must be avoided.
- Blunt suture needle is used for piercing muscle and fascia and can lower the risk of blood-borne infections caused due to needle-stick injuries.
- The needlepoint gently pierces the tissue starting at the maximum point of the body and running to the needle’s end. Needle points can either be sharp or blunt.
The shape of suture needles varies with curvature and is usually described proportionately to the completed circle. Some common curvatures are 14,12,⅜, ⅝, etc. Another classification of suture needles is based on whether it is a cutting or non-cutting type. Cutting needles are triangular cross-sectioned needles that cut away at the tissue they are put against. Very less force is required to pass the needle through the tissue. Minor puncture holes may remain at the site, mostly used for suturing the skin surface. On the other hand, non-cutting needles have a rounded cross-section. Hence, they are only used to move the tissue aside and close it around the suture. When used for organ repair and subcutaneous closure, they require more force.
To Sum Up
If you want to order suture materials, make sure to choose a supplier that employs top professionals and has quite a lot of experience in the field. Ensure that they supply only the highest quality stainless steel products that have been expertly crafted.
