Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) Sutures

What PGA Suture Is

PGA Suture, marketed under the Petcryl brand, is a synthetic, sterile, absorbable, coated, braided surgical suture composed of 100% homopolymer of glycolide, popularly known as polyglycolic acid. Dolphin Sutures was the first Indian brand to launch this suture in India in the year 1997. The product complies with the requirements of the United States Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) and the European Pharmacopoeia (E.P.) for synthetic absorbable surgical sutures.

Composition and Construction

The suture material is a 100% homopolymer of glycolide. To improve handling and tissue passage, the braided filament is coated with polycaprolactone and calcium stearate, creating a smoother suture that passes through tissue easily. The violet variant is dyed with CI Solvent Violet No. 13, and an undyed version is also offered. Where needled, sutures are attached to stainless steel needles of varying types, sizes and shapes.

Characteristics and Handling

Petcryl is tightly braided to enhance strength and improve surface smoothness, and the coating supports good knot security and easy knot placement. Absorption proceeds by hydrolysis, accompanied by a progressive loss of tensile strength; the material is a single-use implantable device. Tissue reaction is graded slight (Grade-1), and absorption is essentially complete within approximately 60 to 90 days.

Presentations

PGA Suture is available in undyed and violet colour across a broad gauge range from 6-0 to 4, and in both non-needled and needled configurations. Reported applications include general closure, ophthalmic, orthopaedic, obstetrics and gynaecology, and gastro-intestinal tract surgery, across general soft-tissue approximation and ligation. The broad selection of sizes, lengths and needle profiles allows surgeons to match the suture to the patient’s condition, the surgical technique, and the size and nature of the wound.

PGA suture is intended for general soft tissue approximation and ligation, including ophthalmic use. It is not intended for use in cardiovascular or neurological tissues; always follow the approved indication and Instructions for Use.