• Mark Storch, Howard Scalzo, Stephen Van Lue, and Gabriel Jacinto.
• Ethicon Inc, Somerville, New Jersey 08878, USA.
• Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2002 Jan 1; 3 Suppl 1: S65-77.

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to compare the physical and functional properties of coated polyglactin 910 suture with and without triclosan by human assessment and instrument-based measurements.MethodsSurgeons specializing in general, orthopedic, plastic, or gynecologic surgery evaluated the suture materials in an in vivo porcine model with regard to (1) ease of passage through tissue, (2) first-throw knot holding, (3) knot tie-down smoothness, (4) knot security, (5) surgical handling, and (6) overall evaluation. Breaking strength retention was determined at 14, 21, 28, and 35 days post-implantation in rats using a tensile strength measurement device. The absorption rate was determined in rats by histopathology at 7, 28, 56, 63, 70, and 77 days post-implantation. The tactile smoothness and tie-down behavior of both wet and dry sutures were evaluated by product characterization technicians.ResultsThe scores for surgeons' evaluation of suture material were favorable and similar for both sutures. Surgeons could not reliably make a distinction in handling between the two sutures. Breaking strength retention was the same for both sutures, ranging from 79% on day 14 to 5% on day 35. Both sutures were essentially absorbed at 70 days post-implantation. Product characterization assessment of the two sutures found them to be indistinguishable.ConclusionThe addition of triclosan to coated polyglactin 910 sutures did not affect physical handling properties or performance characteristics based on the testing and evaluations performed.

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