Suture Block Model Photos and List

"Suturing is one of the most commonly taught skills in surgery. This demand makes model durability one of the most important features. After trying multiple commercial models priced at $25/piece, we developed this low cost version from simple items. 25 models lasted the full academic year, and served eight rotations of medical students and residents for less than the cost of two commercial models! To properly create layers of skin, stabilizing fabric is used. It provides a firm layer on each side of a cushioned layer and can be purchased for <$8-enough fabric to create approximately 12 blocks. Coban cover the ends of each block to prevent slivers and were obtained in the OR. If prep sponges were not available (subcutaneous layer), we purchased a twin-size camping foam mattress and cut it down. Wood and Velcro were purchased from home improvement/office stores. Outcomes: Prior to using the low cost suture blocks, we were unable to allow medical students to take supplies home for practice. This model has allowed us to create enough suture blocks for students to check out for the duration of their clerkship, and still have enough available in the skills lab for resident or student practice. With a simple replacement of the material and foam layer, a new suture block is created. Also, it is not a significant financial loss if blocks are not returned at the end of the rotation. Feedback from students and residents alike is that the model is durable, realistically replicates the layers of the skin, and handles appropriately with instrumentation. Residents have lauded it as an excellent tool for medical student teaching."

SUTURE BLOCK UNIVERSITY OF UTAH SURGICAL SKILLS LAB Peter Bartline MD, Ruth Braga MSN, William Peche MD, Daniel Vargo MD 1.Gather Supplies 2.Cut Liner Fabric 10"x8" 3.Spray Long Edges of 1 Prep Sponge-Attach Sponge On Each Side Of Sponge With Adhesive & Affix To Edges 4.Lay Glued Prep Sponges In Center Of Material-Tack Corners With Glue Gun University of Utah Surgical Skills Lab-Suture Block 5.Wrap Ends Of Block With Coban Tack Corners With Glue Gun 6.Place Velcro On Base Of Block 7.Place Velcro On Fabric To Match Velcro On Block Wrap Ends Of Material And Attach To Block 8.Using #10 Blade, Cut 3, 1/2" Deep Slits Along What Would Be The Center Of Each Prep Sponge *If Fabric Separates From Sponge Too Much, Pull It Tighter Around The Block Or Tack Sponge To Fabric With Glue Gun Near ‘Incision Site' University of Utah Surgical Skills Lab-Suture Block SUTURE BLOCK MODEL SUPPLIES LIST AND INSTRUCTIONS 1 Model/Student SUPPLIES NEEDED: MODEL: 1-Block of 2x4 wood, cut 8" long 1-10"x8" Piece of In-Foam Stabilizer Fabric (Specified measurements designed for block, but can be adjusted) 3-Prep sponges from manufacturer prep kits (can use surgical scrub sponges with ‘scrubber' removed) Coban Velcro-Industrial Strength preferred 1-#10 blade 1-#3 knife handle Glue Gun Can of Spray Adhesive Scissors INSTRUMENTS: 1- Needle Holder 1-Scissor 1-Pick up SUTURE: Instructor Preference INSTRUCTIONS TO BUILD: Gather supplies Cut a 10"x8" piece of In-Foam Stabilizer fabric (find on Amazon.com). 10"x8" assumes the measurement of wood listed above is used. Any size of wood can be used-to determine fabric size with another measurement of wood, place prep sponges on wood and wrap material tightly around to the bottom edge of wood; measure. Using spray adhesive, take one prep sponge and spray both long edges. Attach another prep sponge to each side and press together until dry. Result is 3 prep sponges attached to each other. Lay fabric down lengthwise and place line of prep sponges in center. Tack 4 corners of prep sponge onto fabric. Wrap ends of wood block with coban-tack ends of coban to wood with glue gun. Place Velcro on four corners of wood base Place wood block directly on prep sponges Wrap material somewhat tightly around block so sponges are slightly pressed down Place Velcro on four corners of material so it attaches to wood base. Using #10 blade on #3 handle, make 3 ‘incisions' approximately ½" deep along what would be the middle of each prep sponge. If fabric pulls away from sponge too much, use glue gun and place a dab of glue approximately ½" back on sponge and fabric When fabric gets worn from use, keep block but replace fabric and prep sponges CAN BE USED FOR: ACS/APDS Surgical Skills Curriculum for Residents-Phase 1 Module 2: Suturing ACS/APDS Surgical Skills Curriculum for Residents-Phase 1 Module 3: Knot Tying ACS/APDS MS Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum-Year 3 Module 2: Basic Knot Tying ACS/APDS MS Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum-Year 3 Module 3: Basic Suturing University of Utah Surgical Skills Lab-Suture Block