Perioperative Equipment and Instruments for Registered Nurses

Suture Needles

Choosing the Right Needle
  1. Perioperative nurses need a thorough understanding of suture properties and the varied materials available for optimal patient outcomes.
  2. Selecting the right size, suture and needle are all dependent on the type of surgery, the type of tissue being approximated, the patient’s condition, as well as the surgeon’s preference.

(Cromb, 2019)

Different Types of Needle Points

Taper point
For soft, easily penetrated tissues.

Reverse Cutting
Cutting edge on outer curve. For tough, difficult-to-penetrate tissues.

Conventional Cutting
Two opposing cutting edges, with a third on the inside curve. Change in cross section from a triangle cutting tip to a flattened body.

Blunt Point
Blunt tip with a tapered body, can be used for blunt dissection and to suture very friable tissue.

Taper Cutting
This needle contains a cutting tip with a tapered body. It is good for use on tough tissue.

Premium Spatula
The visibility of the point at bottom provides control of depth penetration.

🧠 Graded Activity

In Blackboard, complete the Graded Activity: Needle Symbols.