ASTM F1840-98a

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Designation: F 1840 – 98a
Standard Terminology for
Surgical Suture Needles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1840; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope needle wire diameter, n—the gage or thickness of the needle
wire, measured at a location between the needle body and
1.1 This terminology covers general definitions for surgical
the attachment area, where either no or minimal work has
needles.
taken place.
2. Terminology
point, n—portion of the needle intended to initiate tissue
penetration.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to the Instrument (See Fig.
point configuration, n—the shape of the point. Some common
1):
point configurations include, but are not limited to (see Fig.
attachment area, n—portion of the needle where the attach-
2): taper, trocar, blunt, spatulated, conventional cutting edge,
ment of the suture takes place. For example, eyed, drilled,
reverse cutting edge, cutting taper, and side cutting needle.
and channel.
swage, n—the term used to describe any attachment method
body, n—central portion of the needle intended to be grasped
that uses mechanical force to crimp the end of the needle and
by the needle holder.
firmly hold the suture in place
chord length, n—the straight line distance between the two
2.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to Mechanical Properties
ends of a curved needle.
of a Surgical Needle:
curvature, n—the shape of the needle viewed in profile. Some
bright or mirror finish—highly reflective surface.
common shapes include, but are not limited to: straight, ⁄2
finish—the final surface visual appearance of a needle, that
1 1 3 1 5
curve or “ski”, ⁄8 circle, ⁄4 circle, ⁄8 circle, ⁄2 circle, ⁄8
may be classified as follows:
circle, and compound curvature (see Fig. 3).
maximum bend moment—the greatest moment applied to a
cutting egde,, n—cutting edges are made of various goemetric
needle during a bend test.
shapes, that is, triangular, diamond, and hexagonal. The
needle ducility—a measure of the amount of plastic bending a
various edges may be sharpened by the manufacturer de-
needle can withstand.
pending on the user performance.
satin, matte, or black finish—a reduced reflective surface
needle length, n—the distance measured along the needle
varying from a dull appearance to a blackened surface.
curvature from end to end.
yield bend angle—the a
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