Product Manual

The mechanical performance of a suture is an important consideration

in the selection of a surgical suture and can be measured by reproducible,

biomechanical parameters.

The suture’s stiffness reflects its resistance

to bending. Its coefficient of friction is a measure of the resistive forces

encountered by contact of the surfaces of the suture material during knot

construction. Strength is a key performance parameter that indicates the

suture’s resistance to breakage. The knot breakage load for a secure knot that

fails by breakage is a reliable measure of strength. During these tests, forces

are applied to the divided ends of the suture loop, the patient’s side of the

knot. As the suture is subjected to stress, it will elongate. The load elongation

properties of a suture have important clinical implications. Ideally, the

suture should elongate under low loads to accommodate for the developing

wound edema, but return to its original length after resolution of the edema.

Although it should exhibit an immediate stretch under low loads, it should

not elongate any further while continuously maintaining the load, exhibiting

a resistance to creep.

These biomechanical parameters play important roles in the clinical

performance of the suture.

Surgeons consider the handling characteristics

of the suture to be one of the most important parameters in their selection

of sutures. Surgeons evaluate the handling characteristics of sutures by

constructing knots using manual and instrument-tie techniques. The

surgeon prefers a suture which permits two-throw knots to be easily

advanced to the wound edges, providing a preview of the ultimate

V. mechanical performance