Task 3: Continuous Suturing, Superficial: Pitch & Catch

TASK 3: CONTINUOUS SUTURING, SUPERFICIAL: PITCH & CATCH

Summary:This task requires 10 continuous superficial sutures using pitch and catch reloading technique.

Equipment: One fine needle holder, one fine forceps, one 5-0 or 6-0 Prolene suture on a C1 cut to 15cm. 

Task set-up: Position fabric over the model as follows:

Task steps: 

1. Load needle into fine needle holder.
2. Complete 10 continuous superficial sutures using pitch and catch reloading technique.

Task rules: Take single bites, entering and exiting at blue dots on either side of the slit. Use forceps to stabilize the tissue then grasp the needle. Use the forceps to atraumatically remove the needle from the tissue, then reload the needle into the needle holder on the field.

Tips & tricks:

• Unlock needle holder before entering tissue; do not lock until needle is fully removed from tissue.
• Use forceps to stabilize tissue at needle entry and exit.
• Do not handle the needle tip with forceps (this will cause damage and blunting).
• Follow the curve of the needle when removing it from tissue, do not torque.
• Reload needle with hand pronated to be ready for the next bite.

Cutoff time: Maximum time for task completion is 150 seconds. During formal assesment, timing will start after the needle makes contact with the tissue for the 1st time and will end when the needle is removed from tissue for the last (10th) time. If the task is not completed within the allotted time, you will be asked to stop.

Scoring: A score will be assigned for each micro-skill. Score assignments are based on the following:

Scoring Formula: see Task & Scoring Overview or score calculator (access via Google doc or download excel file)

Expert Score: 50