Sutures , and Instruments

Needle material, diameter, curvature, and point style all contribute to needle function and should be considered relative to the goal of suturing and tissue type when selecting a needle. Suture material and diameter determine strength, handling, adsorbability, knot security, and tissue reactivity. Together with the tissue type and goal of suturing, these characteristics should be considered when selecting suture material. Instruments used for microsuturing should be of the appropriate size and style to facilitate safe, eff ective suturing in light of the specifi c needle, suture, and tissue involved. New technology in suturing instrumentation includes suture swaged to needles of the same or smaller diameter, suture coated with bioactive glass and antibacterials, and microincision instruments for intraanterior chamber suturing.