Polydioxanone Barbed Sutures

What Durabarb Barbed Sutures Are

Durabarb is Dolphin Sutures’ range of Polydioxanone Barbed Sutures, a specialty-suture solution designed for knotless wound closure. Each suture is a sterile, synthetic absorbable monofilament composed of poly (p-dioxanone), with the empirical polymer formula (C4H6O3)n. The material has been found to be non-antigenic and non-pyrogenic, eliciting only a minimal tissue reaction during absorption, which proceeds by hydrolysis.

Composition and Construction

The suture body is polydioxanone (approximately 99.5% w/w) with dye content of approximately 0.5% w/w. To enhance visibility, the suture is dyed violet using D&C Violet No. 2 (Colour Index Number 60725) during polymerization. Barbs are positioned on the suture surface at approximately a 72 degree angle and arranged in a spiral manner or symmetric manner. They may be configured unidirectionally or bidirectionally; unidirectional barbed sutures feature a terminal loop or with a fixation tab, while bidirectional variants are double-armed with barbs reversing direction at the mid-point.

Characteristics and Handling

The barbed design distributes tension evenly along the suture line, combining security with speed. Because there are no knots to tie or dissolve, multiple layers such as subcutaneous and dermis can be closed together with one continuous running suture, reducing the potential for suture spitting and minimising tissue strangulation. The suture is absorbable and gradually loses tensile strength, reducing the need for removal. Barbs should be handled with care to avoid bending, twisting, or pulling that may damage the barb structure.

Presentations

Durabarb is offered uncoated in violet across sizes 3-0, 2-0, 0 and 1, supplied either non-needled or pre-attached to stainless steel needles of various types, sizes and shapes to suit the surgical requirement.