Barbed suture

Barbed Suture

Barbed suture (pronunciation: /ˈbɑːbd ˈsuːtʃər/) is a type of suture that is used in surgical procedures.

Etymology

The term "barbed" comes from the Old English word "beard," meaning a sharp, pointed object, and "suture" comes from the Latin word "sutura," meaning "seam."

Definition

A barbed suture is a type of suture that has barbs or projections on its surface that are designed to grip the tissue and hold the suture in place without the need for knots. This can help to reduce the time required for surgery and may also reduce the risk of complications.

Usage

Barbed sutures are used in a variety of surgical procedures, including plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery. They are particularly useful in procedures where the suture needs to be held in place for a long period of time, such as in wound closure or tissue repair.

Related Terms

Suture: A stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.
Knotless suture: A type of suture that does not require knots to hold it in place.
Wound closure: The process of bringing the edges of a wound together so that healing can occur.
Tissue repair: The process of replacing or restoring damaged or diseased tissue.