Effect of Manufacturing Conditions on Structural and Handling Properties of Braided Polyamide Suture
Suture performances include handling characteristics and knot mechanical properties. These performances depend mainly on frictional, flexural, and compressive forces. The interaction between these forces developed inside the suture knot governs the displacement mode and the deformability of the suture yarn inside the knot. In the present work, we studied the effect of manufacturing conditions on structural properties and handling characteristics. Obtained results show that manufacturing parameters have significant impact on slipperiness, flexibility, and compressibility. Consequently, suture performances widely depend on manufacturing parameters. We show that after a hot stretch step, suture structure becomes more uniform and compact. Furthermore, after this treatment, lateral deformation, friction force, and bending rigidity are reduced and knot performances are improved.
Measurement of Friction Between Single Fibers
The frictional properties of animal hairs are different from those of other fibers, and it is generally regarded that the felting properties of wool are due to its special frictional properties-namely, the difference in friction in the two directions (tip and root) of the fiber. The modification of the felting properties of wool has been the object of several investigations in order to produce nonshrinkable wool fabrics. Another practical interest in such studies is the possibility of increasing the velocity of felting in a milling machine, thus diminishing the time for producing a certain felt. Therefore it is considered very important to obtain as accurate measurement of the frictional
Mechanical comparison of 10 suture materials before and after in vivo incubation.
The material properties of ten 2-O suture materials were evaluated tensiometrically at time = 0 and again after 6 weeks incubation in rats. All suture material was incubated and tested without knots. Specialized machinery was used with a custom securing apparatus to pull suture material apart at constant speed. Stress-strain curves were derived, and from these strength, toughness, strain at rupture, and elastic modulus were determined. Sutures tested included Vicryl [poly(glycolide-lactide)], Dexon (polyglycolic acid), Ethibond (polyester), silk, plain gut, chromic gut, Maxon (polyglyconate), PDS (polydioxanone), nylon, and Prolene (polypropylene). Elastic modulus was greatest for braided, least for monofilament, and intermediate for gut sutures, regardless of chemical composition (ANOVA, P = 0.0001). Strength, strain, and toughness decreased in all of the sutures over time in vivo with the exception of braided polyester (Ethibond), which remained stable. Silk demonstrated the least strength and toughness while PDS and Maxon were the strongest and toughest at time = 0. Vicryl, Dexon, and gut sutures were absorbed to the point that they could not be tested after 6 weeks in vivo. Performance tables are provided for all sutures.