Product Manual

or silicone to reduce capillarity and to increase surface lubricity which enhances

handling characteristics, ease of passage through tissue, and knot run-down

properties. Sofsilk™ sutures are available colored black with Logwood extract.

Metallic Steel sutures are derived from monofilament stainless steel. Modern

chemistry has developed a variety of synthetic fibers from polyamides

(nylon), polyesters (Dacron™), polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene),

polytetrafluoroethylene, to polybutester.

Polypropylene is a linear hydrocarbon polymer that consists of a strand of

polypropylene, a synthetic linear polyolefin. All polypropylenes begin with a base

resin and then go through the following steps: extrusion, drawing, relaxation,

and annealing. Each step in the process will influence the ultimate biomechanical

performance of the suture. Biomechanical studies demonstrate that the

manufacturing process (i.e., annealing, relaxation) can dramatically influence

the surface characteristics without altering its strength. Changes in the surface

characteristics can facilitate knot construction of the suture. Polypropylene

sutures (Surgipro™) that have a low coefficient of friction will facilitate knot

rundown and suture passage through the tissue. A new polypropylene suture

III. scientific basis for the selection of surgical sutures (cont’d)