Core Surgical Skills ...

In this lesson, you will learn about the different components making up a stitch, including the suture loop, throw, knot, and knot ear, and you will learn the common terms related to knot tying that will be used throughout this module. You will also learn about the three distinct steps required to form a basic square knot. Finally, before you begin to practice knot tying, you will learn about the major factors influencing knot security, such as the type of suture, the number of throws, and the length of the cut suture ends from the knot. A solid understanding of these fundamentals will help prepare you to consistently create secure surgical knots.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Define the terms suture loop, throw, knot, and knot ear.
2. Explain what the fixed and unfixed strand means with regard to tying surgical knots. Explain why it is important to place the strands in the proper position before you begin knot tying.
3. Be able to identify a square knot, a granny knot, and a reverse double half hitch knot. Explain the mechanics of how each of these knots is formed.
4. Explain the concept of intrinsic suture tension, and describe an instance when high intrinsic tension is necessary in a surgical procedure and a situation when it is contraindicated.
5. Describe each of the three distinct steps required to create a basic surgical knot.
6. Explain the eight important basic knot-tying rules to help create consistently secure knots.
7. Know the major factors related to knot security. Understand the difference in the mechanism of knot security between multifilament and monofilament suture materials.
8. State the advantages and disadvantages of using monofilament and multifilament suture materials in knot tying.
9. Choose the appropriate number of throws for interrupted stitches for monofilament and multifilament suture, as well as for knots at the beginning and end of a continuous suture line.