Task 4: Continuous Suturing, Superficial: Push-Push-Pull

TASK 4: CONTINUOUS SUTURING, SUPERFICIAL: PUSH-PUSH-PULL

Summary:This task requires 10 continuous superficial sutures using push-push-pull 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 push-push-pull 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. Reload needle while still in tissue then atraumatically remove. Lock the needle driver after the needle is completely removed from tissue, then rotate the needle holder in preparation for the next bite.

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.
• For push-push-pull, introduce the needle into the tissue far enough to expose at least 50% of the needle, so that the final loading of the needle with the needle holder will be in the appropriate segment of the needle.

Cutoff time: Maximum time for task completion is 200 seconds. During the formal assessment, the timing will start when 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, 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