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Impact of Needle Design and Suture Gauge on Tissue Tearing During Skin Suturing: A Comparative Analysis
Christian T Potter1,2, McKenzie E Maloney3,2, Alexandria M Riopelle4
1The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Background:
Surgeons face numerous choices in selecting sutures for skin closure, with potential adverse effects such as tissue tearing.
Objective:
To investigate the influence of needle design and suture gauge on tissue tearing during suturing procedures.
Materials And Methods:
The authors tested the tear-through force in Newtons for 3 needle types and 3 suture gauges using an artificial skin model and a professional-grade tensiometer. Suture material was secured into the skin model, and force was applied to the suture at a constant rate, resulting in tearing. Force-displacement and force-time curves were generated. Evaluation included conventional cutting (PC-3), reverse cutting (PS-3), and taper point (BB) needles with a 5-0 polypropylene suture. In addition, nylon sutures with a reverse cutting needle (PS-2) were tested at 3 suture gauges (5-0, 4-0, 3-0).
Results:
The mean tear-through forces for PC-3, PS-3, and BB were 3.26 N, 3.75 N, and 4.07 N, respectively. For the 5-0, 4-0, and 3-0 nylon sutures, the mean tear-through forces were 3.44 N, 3.81 N, and 4.04 N, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant impact of suture gauge size ( p < .001) and needle geometry ( p < .001) on tear-through force.
Conclusion:
Larger suture diameter and taper needles minimize tissue tearing.
