Surgical sutures needles

Surgical sutures are sterile, flexible strands used to close wounds or to tie off tubular structures such as blood vessels. Made of natural or synthetic fiber and usually attached to a needle, they are available ia monofilament or multifilament forms. Sutures are classified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) (1) as either absorbable or nonabsorbable. The USP also categorizes sutures according to size (diameter) and Hsts certain performance requirements. Sutures are regulated by the Food and Dmg Administration (FDA) as medical devices under the Food, Dmg, and Cosmetics (FDC) Act of 1938, the Medical Device Act of 1976, and the Medical Device Reporting regulation of 1995. 

In 1996, Brotz et al patented a suturing device which has lateral members with spikes in two directions (Fig. 13.7). These lateral members have a pointed tip, and can penetrate tissue for wound closure. Once inserted the lateral members hold the tissue in position (Brotz, 1996). In 1999, Buncke patented a bi- and uni-directional surgical suture, shown in Fig. 13.8. The uni-directional suture had one needle at one end. The bi-directional suture had two needles, one at each end of the monofilament suture. While suturing... 

Leung, J. C., Ruff, G. and Megaro, M. A. (May 2004b). Barbed suture in combination with surgical needle. US Patent US 2004 0088003 Al, Quill Medical Inc.,... 

Suturing must be carried under strict aseptic technique with the help of an assistant. First and foremost, it is important to assess and clean the wound thoroughly. The requisites of suturing include a surgical drape, local anesthesia, gloves, needle... 

---