Hemostasis & Suture Techniques Flashcards

Which electrosurgical mode uses a continuous waveform to cut tissue with minimal hemostasis?

Answer: Cut mode

Cut mode uses a continuous waveform that rapidly heats tissue to vaporize cells, producing cutting with minimal coagulation effect.

A surgeon requests 3-0 Vicryl for a subcutaneous closure. What type of suture material is Vicryl?

Answer: Absorbable braided synthetic

Vicryl (polyglactin 910) is an absorbable braided synthetic suture that loses tensile strength over approximately 3–4 weeks.

When applying a hemostat to a bleeding vessel, the tip of the instrument should be directed:

Answer: Parallel to the vessel, grasping only the vessel wall

The hemostat tip should be parallel to the vessel, grasping only the vessel wall to avoid inadvertently clamping adjacent structures.

Bone wax is primarily used to achieve hemostasis by which mechanism?

Answer: Physical tamponade of bleeding bone channels

Bone wax mechanically occludes the haversian canals and cancellous spaces of bleeding bone, acting as a physical tamponade agent.

Which suture needle type is preferred for anastomosis of delicate vascular structures?

Answer: Tapered (round body)

Tapered (round body) needles push tissue aside without cutting, reducing the risk of vessel wall tears during vascular anastomosis.

What is the primary purpose of a figure-of-eight suture in hemostasis?

Answer: To ligate and compress a deeper bleeding point beneath the suture

A figure-of-eight suture encircles and compresses a deep bleeding point, achieving hemostasis without the need for a separate tie.

Thrombin-based hemostatic agents work by:

Answer: Crosslinking fibrin directly without other clotting factors

Topical thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin directly, bypassing the clotting cascade and forming a clot at the application site.