Knotless Closure of the Cardiac Venous Cannulation Site Using Barbed Suture: A First Step in Including Barbed Sutures in our Cardiac Surgery Practice

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Very good

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Excellent

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Very good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Very good

Comments:

The study provides significant information about the importance of using knotless barbed sutures with an additional self-locking manoeuvre for the closure of the right atrium cannulation site in cardiac surgery, with no short-term or long-term complications. The Methods and Results are adequately described. The Discussion offers a thorough and detailed analysis of the findings of the present study taking all the relevant literature into account. The study further discusses that establishing the safety of barbed sutures in cardiac surgery through sternotomy would enable cardiac surgeons to use knotless barbed sutures confidently in minimally invasive procedures. It opens up possibilities of using knotless barbed sutures in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Very good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Very good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This pilot study was set up to assess the safety and efficacy of the use of barbed sutures for right atrium cannulation-site closure both in short and longer-term follow up. The study holds significance as it is the first study confirming barbed knotless sutures are feasible in closing heart chambers and perform adequately when closing a low-pressure cardiac structure, and in such, potentially saving time in minimally invasive surgery. Barbed sutures have rarely been used in cardiac surgery. Further investigation in closure of other cardiovascular structures is advisable.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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Science Repository Team