Product Manual

There are several different suture materials and needles that provide an accurate
and secure approximation of the wound edges. Ideally, the choice of the suture
material should be based on the biological interaction of the materials employed,
the tissue configuration, and the biomechanical properties of the wound. The
tissue should be held in apposition until the tensile strength of the wound
is sufficient to withstand stress. A common theme of the many reportable
investigations is that all biomaterials placed within the tissue damage the host
defenses and invite infection. Because surgical needles have a proven role in
spreading deadly blood borne viral infection, the surgeon must select surgical
gloves that reduce the risk of accidental injuries during surgery.
5
Important considerations in wound closure are the type of suture, the tying
technique, and the configuration of the suture loops. Selection of a surgical suture
material is based on its biologic interaction with the wound and its mechanical
performance in vivo and in vitro. Measurements of the in vivo degradation of
sutures separate them into two general classes.
6
Sutures that undergo rapid
degradation in tissues, losing their tensile strength within 60 days, are considered
absorbable sutures. Those that maintain their tensile strength for longer than
III. scientific basis for the selection of surgical sutures
4