Suture Techniques and Training Series: Interrupted Vertical Mattress Suture Technique
Credit: A.S.A.
• A bite is taken 8–10 mm away from the wound and passes through to an equal distance away from the wound on the opposite side.
• The suture is then repeated back across the wound, but this time, a bite is taken vertically from the original bite 3–4 mm away from the wound, creating a vertical suture on either side.
• A knot is then placed to join the suture material on the original side.
• This suture is more effective at relieving tension than the horizontal mattress.
• Appositional to everting.
• Stronger in tissues under tension than horizontal mattress.
• Less likely to occlude small vessels at the wound edge.
Usages
• Closure in areas of high tension (i.e. some situations of skin closure).