Computational Modeling of Wound Suture: A Review

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Engineering
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Suturing is a complex surgical skill influenced by surgeon experience, knot type, tension, and material.
• Robotic suturing is increasingly vital for complex internal surgeries, but translating human expertise to automation is challenging.
• Existing computational models for suture mechanics are limited, often using simplified 2D/3D simulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze the existing literature on computational modeling of wound sutures.
• To identify areas requiring further research in suture mechanics and computational modeling.
• To discuss computational challenges in numerical suture modeling for robotic surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on computational models for wound closure and suture mechanics.
• Analysis of simulations involving single and multiple skin layers with varying wound geometries.
• Examination of models incorporating suture pulling and skin prestress effects.

Main Results:

• Few attempts have been made to characterize wound closure and suture mechanics computationally.
• Simulations have estimated suture force requirements for different wound shapes, sizes, and tissue properties.
• Recent models incorporate realistic wound closure dynamics and skin prestress.

Conclusions:

• Computational models offer a pathway to estimate suture force requirements for robotic surgery.
• Further research is essential to refine these models and address computational challenges.
• Advancements in modeling are crucial for enhancing robotic suturing capabilities and improving patient outcomes.