Product Manual
use faulty technique in tying knots, which is the weakest link in a tied surgical suture. When
the recommended configuration of a knot, ascertained by mechanical performance tests
was compared to those used by board-certified general surgeons, only 25% of the surgeons
correctly used the appropriate knot construction.
3
Of the 25 gynecologists, mostly department
heads, who were polled about their knot tying technique, most were convinced they they
made square knots, even though their knot tying technique resulted in slipknots that became
untied.
4
When a knotted suture fails to perform its functions, the consequences may be
disastrous. Massive bleeding may occur when the suture loop surrounding a vessel becomes
untied or breaks. Wound dehiscence or incisional hernia may follow knot disruption.
As with any master surgeon, he/she must understand the tools of his/her profession. The
linkage between a surgeon and surgical equipment is a closed kinematic chain in which
the surgeon’s power is converted into finely coordinated movements that result in wound
closure with the least possible scar and without infection. The ultimate goal of this linkage the
perfection of the surgical discipline. This manual has been written for medical students, nurses,
nurse practitioners physician assistants, surgical residents and surgeons who view themselves
as scientists cultivating and practicing the science of surgery.
3. Individualized Self Instruction
3