Surgical Knots
The first workshop in the curriculum, Surgical Knots is the introduction of members to the diverse world of surgery. Surgical knots (ligatures) are those used to bind suture materials together while approximating tissue in surgery. The effective tying of surgical knots is a critical skill for surgeons since consequences may be serious if the knot does not stay intact. The primary goal of surgical knot tying is to allow the ligature to be tightened and remain that way. The two-hand square knot is the easiest and most reliable for tying most suture materials. Members are taught how to tie the Reef Knot and the Surgeon’s Knot, all with the help of a simple shoelace. They are taken through a step-by-step tutorial of the technique and are made well versed with the process.
Simple Continuous And Interrupted Sutures
A surgical suture is a one of the methods used to hold body tissues together after an injury or surgery. Many different techniques exist, the most common being the simple interrupted suture. It is the simplest to perform and is called “interrupted” because the suture material is cut between each individual stitch. Placing and tying each stitch individually is time-consuming, but this technique keeps the wound together even if one suture gives away. The running or continuous stitch is quicker but risks failing if the suture is cut in just one place. Members are introduced to these techniques and are taught how to perform these on suturing pads specifically designed by the Cutting Edge team. A complete suturing kit is also sold to the members to equip them for this task.
Vertical And Horizontal Mattress Sutures
The vertical and horizontal mattress stitches are suture techniques used to close wounds. They are interrupted sutures but are more complex and specialized for everting the skin and distributing tension. The vertical mattress sutures provides closure for both deep and superficial layers, and also allows perfect eversion and vertical opposition of the superficial skin edges. It is useful for deep lacerations, where it can replace two layers of sutures. The horizontal mattress sutures everts skin well and spreads tension along the wound edge. This makes it ideal for holding together fragile skin as well as skin under high tension. This can be helpful to prevent wound bleeding. Members are taught the techniques involved on Suturing Pads specially designed by the team.
Subcuticular Sutures
Sub-cuticular (intradermal) suturing is a method of skin closure involving placement of stitches in the sub-cuticular tissues parallel with the line of the wound. Running sub-cuticular sutures are considered to be the “holy grail” of suturing techniques by many. That is to say, when done correctly, they give the best cosmetic outcome. Hand in hand with that, they are certainly the most technically challenging and time consuming of suturing techniques. Members are introduced to this technique and are taught how to perform it on Suturing Pads specifically designed by the Cutting Edge team. A complete suturing kit is also sold to the members to equip them for this task