Stainless Steel Sutures

What Are Steel Sutures?

Steel Sutures are sterile, non-absorbable surgical sutures manufactured from surgical-grade 316LVM stainless steel. Because the material is non-absorbable, it is not degraded by tissue enzymes and remains in place to provide long-term or permanent wound support. Dolphin Steel Sutures are intended for soft-tissue approximation and ligation wherever a non-absorbable metallic suture is indicated, and they are frequently chosen as sternum wires for bone fixation during the sternal closure phase after open-chest surgery.

Composition and Construction

The suture is made from 316LVM stainless steel, a molybdenum-alloyed, vacuum re-melted grade suited to medical implants and conforming to ASTM F138 Grade 2 for surgical implant bar and wire. It is supplied uncoated in a natural colour finish. Where a needle is fitted, the surgical needle is also stainless steel. The product is available as needled or non-needled suture, depending on configuration, and complies with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopoeia (EP) requirements for non-absorbable surgical sutures, subject to applicable dimensional tolerances.

Characteristics and Handling

As a non-absorbable metallic suture, Steel Sutures deliver high tensile strength and maintain mechanical integrity over time, with a slight (Grade-1) tissue reactivity profile followed by fibrous encapsulation. Careful handling is essential: avoid crushing or crimping the surface with instruments, use flat and square ties with additional throws as clinically required, and grasp needles one-third to one-half of the distance from the attachment end. Needles should not be reshaped, as this may reduce strength.

Sizes and Presentations

Steel Sutures are offered across USP sizes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and are paired with a range of needle profiles including blunt point round body and taper-cutting configurations. Suture and needle lengths vary by product code to suit the intended procedure.