New perspectives in simulation planning of skin wound suture in plastic surgery: the integration procedure

A novel simulation method for planning a skin wound suture is proposed according to the principles of biogeometry, using a finite-element approach. The skin mesh program (CASMeD II) is used to select the suture axis and to determine the minimal distribution of the tension forces on the suture points of the suture line. The damping effect of the continuum of the skin, quantified by the calculated relative difference of suture-line tension, is evaluated. The relative difference in the integration procedure expresses the surgical plasticity as it affects the suture process.<>