on wet tissue and reduce leaks,
she says. For closing skin, which
typically requires a sharp suture
needle, newer devices adhere to
the skin around the wound and
create tension using mechanisms
like zippers, small clamps and zip-
ties, says Margaret Rodriguez,
CST, CSFA, FAST, BS, a professor
in the Surgical Technology
Program at El Paso Community
College. These devices are often
touted as a time-
saving convenience to surgeons.
Plus, some devices even allow for
patient removal, saving a return
visit. And while not new, staples
are also a good alternative to
reduce suture needle injuries,
says Dr. Jagger. "The largest
cause of injury has the most safe-
ty alternatives that are not in
widespread use," she says.
3. Safety scalpels
After suture needles, scalpels are
the biggest threat in the OR. But
while switching to safety
scalpels reduces risks, Dr. Jagger
notes that making the move is "a
S H A R P S S A F E T Y
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