Antibacterial Sutures

What antibacterial sutures are

Dolphin Sutures offers an extensive antibacterial suture range in which the suture is coated with Triclosan, a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent. The coating is intended to inhibit bacterial colonization of the suture itself. The range spans both absorbable and non-absorbable options, allowing surgeons to match the antibacterial platform to the closure requirement rather than compromising on material choice.

The coated and braided Polyglactin 910 antibacterial suture is a sterile, absorbable surgical suture intended for general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation. It is supplied with or without a needle and, where specified, with or without a barb.

Composition and construction

The Polyglactin 910 antibacterial suture is crafted from a copolymer of 90% Glycolide and 10% L-Lactide, comprising polyglycolide and co-lactide at approximately 99.5% w/w. It is coated with a mixture of Polyglactin 370 (a glycolide-lactide copolymer) and Calcium Stearate at less than 5% w/w, and the product contains Triclosan. Sutures are typically dyed with D&C Violet No. 2, with undyed options also available; dye content in dyed sutures is approximately 0.5% w/w. Where attached, needles are made from AISI 302 or AISI 420 stainless steel.

Handling and characteristics

The coated surface offers low tissue drag for smoother passage and reduced trauma to surrounding tissue. The suture provides knot security through its tensile strength and knot-holding capability, exhibits minimal memory for reliable knot formation, and its flexibility and pliability aid precise placement. Dyed sutures enhance visibility against tissue. The absorbable Polyglactin 910 platform is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging.

Presentations

Antibacterial sutures are available in a range of gauge sizes and lengths, needled or non-needled, in dyed or undyed forms. Absorbable Polyglactin 910 products comply with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards; where not marked with pharmacopeia standards, products are manufactured to the manufacturer’s specifications.