A NEW SYNTHETIC MONOFILAMENT ABSORBABLE SUTURE MADE FROM POLYTRIMETHYLENE CARBONATE

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  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 161  (3) , 213-222
Abstract
The physical and biologic characteristics of a new synthetic absorbable monofilament suture, glycolide trimethylene carbonate (GTMC) are presented. The suture was formulated to combine predictable in vivo performance of synthetic absorbable sutures with the handling characteristics of a monofilament suture. Three in vivo studies were described: strength, gross and microscopic absorption and reaction and radiolabeled decay. The studies carried out in rats showed cumulative strength retention of sizes 0, 000, 4-0 and 5-0 of 81% at 14 days, 59% at 28 days and 30% at 42 days. Strength retention was consistent throughout the size spectrum. Absorption of sizes 00 and 4-0 were studied in s.c. implications in rabbits. Histologic assessment of absoprtion obtained from serial sections at intervals of 3-9 mo. showed that, in both sizes, complete absorption occurred between 6-7 mo. At 6 mo. 83% of size 00 was absorbed and size 4-0 was 93% absorbed. At 7 mo. no implanted material was discernible histologically. Untoward tissue reactions, such as acute inflammatory cells, abscesses or tissue necrosis, were not observed. There were no signs of cellular mobilization of any kind observed remote from the implant. Absorption of GTMC sutures was achieved through the action of mononuclear and multinuclear macrophages which were confined to the implant and sequestered by a fibrous connective tissue capsule. When implant absorption was complete, resorption of the macrophage component was observed which was replaced by a narrow cord of fibrous tissue and collagen. The results of studies of radiolabeled sutures carried out in the s.c. tissues of rats revealed urine and expired CO2 to be the major excretary routes of the metabolites. By 22-24 wk, 0.1-0.7% of the total implanted radioactivity remained at the suture sites. Tissue deposition and excretion of radioactivity suggests similar metabolism of the sutures in both species. GTMC sutures maintain good strength with little or no absorption during the critical wound healing period, absorbs completely from tissues in 6-7 mo. with minimal tissue reaction and, therefore, provides an absorbable, flexible, monofilament material with extended support that is strong and effective.

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