Suture guide
Pick a brand to see every size and needle, or search any product code (like J333H) in the search box at the top.
Absorbable
| Brand | Material | Structure | Absorbed | Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicryl | Polyglactin 910 | Braided | Essentially complete in 56–70 days | 166 |
| Vicryl Rapide | Polyglactin 910, fast absorbing | Braided | Essentially complete by 42 days | 3 |
| Monocryl | Poliglecaprone 25 | Monofilament | 91–119 days | 85 |
| PDS II | Polydioxanone | Monofilament | Minimal until about day 90, essentially complete in 182–238 days | 73 |
| Chromic gut | Purified collagen, treated with chromium salts | Twisted collagen (virtual monofilament) | About 90 days | 13 |
| Plain gut | Purified collagen | Twisted collagen (virtual monofilament) | About 70 days | 8 |
| Stratafix | Barbed (PDS Plus, Monocryl Plus or polypropylene) | Barbed monofilament | PDS Plus: 182–238 days. Monocryl Plus: 91–119 days. Polypropylene: not absorbed | 8 |
Non-absorbable
| Brand | Material | Structure | Absorbed | Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethilon | Nylon | Monofilament | Not absorbed | 55 |
| Prolene | Polypropylene | Monofilament | Not absorbed | 134 |
| Perma-Hand silk | Silk | Braided | Not absorbed, but breaks down; usually undetectable in tissue after 2 years | 63 |
| Ethibond Excel | Polyester, polybutilate coated | Braided | Not absorbed | 19 |
| Mersilene | Polyester, uncoated | Braided | Not absorbed | 1 |
| Nurolon | Nylon | Braided | Not absorbed | 1 |
Sources
- Ethicon Suture Chart (J&J MedTech)
- Ethicon Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Sutures chart, US
- Ethicon vs Medtronic Suture Comparison Chart (J&J MedTech)
Always check the package insert for the product you're using.