“Security loop” tie: a new technique to overcome loosening of surgical knots

Sutures require knots so as to ensure optimal tissue closure strength. Loosening of surgical knots during or after tying can lead to an ineffective suture and compromise the final result. Loosening is affected mainly by the type of suture material and nature of surgical field. In palatal surgery, tying secure knots is a major consideration and may present a technical challenge. In this article, and after a review of the literature, we present a new modification of the usual knot-tying technique to maximize knot security and prevent knot loosening after the first throw is done. This technique was found to be effective, simple, fast, easy to learn, and saves time and material.