The Running Interlocking Suture

Abstract

DURING the past few years, our present concepts for closure of a routine cataract section have evolved in the following manner. A few years ago, 7-0 black silk sutures, usually three in number, were used routinely at the Wilmer Institute in the manner described by McLean.¹Associated with the development of finer sutures, the manner of closure has evolved from this preplaced McLean technique to multiple postplaced interrupted sutures (up to nine, to avoid filtering blebs), then the running suture, and now the running interlocking suture. The theoretical basis throughout this evolution of a smaller suture has been the desire for a decrease in the postoperative inflammation. Although in cataract surgery the indications for noninflammatory sutures may not be as compelling as in keratoplasty, one might expect fewer complications if a quiet eye is maintained. Surgical Technique A single superior-rectus stay suture is fastened to the drapes above. The