Silk Sutures

What Silk Sutures Are

Silk Sutures are non-absorbable surgical sutures made from natural silk, a fibre obtained from the silkworm. The individual filaments are entwined and braided into a single strand, then treated to produce a smooth, workable suture. As a non-absorbable material, silk remains in the tissue and is well suited to applications where lasting support or removable fixation is required.

Composition and Construction

Each suture is composed of natural silk and coated with silicone. The silicone coating smooths the surface of the braid, helping the suture pass easily through tissue. Special braiding technology is used to produce a tight, uniform construction intended to support good handling and knotting performance. Sutures are coloured with black dye to enhance visibility against tissue during placement.

Characteristics and Handling

The braided, coated design gives silk its familiar pliability and secure knot placement, qualities that have made it a long-standing option for ligation. Documented tissue reactivity for the material is Grade-0. Silk is widely used as a ligature and is also applied in skin, ophthalmic, gastrointestinal tract, plastic, and cardiovascular procedures, including the suturing of grafts. It is not indicated for use in biliary or urinary tract surgery.

Sizes and Presentations

Dolphin Silk Sutures are available across a broad USP size range, from fine 6-0 through heavier size 4, supporting both delicate and general-purpose work. Needled options are supplied with a variety of needle profiles and lengths, and silk is also offered for use as a ligature where a needle is not required.