Wound Closure Manual (PDF) - Penn Medicine

78
OTHER SURGICAL PRODUCTS
The retention suture bridge is a
strong plastic truss that can be
adjusted to relieve the pressure of
the retention suture on the skin
during, and subsequent to, initial
suture placement. After the desired
number of sutures is placed in the
wound, a sterile bridge is positioned
over each retention suture. Each
side of the bridge has six holes
spaced 1 /4 inch (0.64cm) apart to
accommodate many patient sizes.
The ends of the sutures are passed
through the appropriate holes and
tied loosely over the bridge. The
suture strand is then slipped into
the capstan located in the middle
of the bridge, and the capstan is
rotated to apply the desired
tension before locking into place.
The bridge permits easy tension
readjustment by raising and rotating
the capstan to compensate for
postoperative wound edema, and
again when the edema subsides.
The suture remains elevated away
from the skin while the bridge has
contact along its entire 4 3 /8-inch
(11cm) length. Pressure is evenly
distributed over the area, and the
transparent bridge facilitates complete
visualization of the wound.
REFERENCES
1. Singer, Adam J., Lacerations and
Acute Wounds, An Evidence-Based
Guide; F.A. Davis Company,
©2003, p. 64-71, 73-82.
2. Skerris, David A., Mayo Clinic
Basic Surgery Skills, Mayo Clinic
Scientific Press, 1999; p.117.