ETHICON

Wound Closure
Suture Products
ETHICON
Wound Closure Suture Products

International
Market
Development

© 2004
 TAPERCUT* Precision
Needle Point

Precision Cosmetic- MICRO-POINT*

Conventional Cutting PRIME Spatula Needle
The ETHICON Wound Closure Products
Information Booklet is provided by
ETHICON International Market Development

Conventional CS ULTIMA*
International Spatula Spatula Needle
Market
Development

VISI-BLACK* SABRELOC*
Needle Spatula Needle

MICRO-POINT*
Reverse Cutting Needle

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 Surgical Suture Needles
Contents
Needle Shapes
¼ Circle ⅜ Circle ½ Curve
Page
ABSORBABLE Sutures
Surgical Gut Suture – Plain 2
Surgical Gut Suture – Chromic 3
Coated VICRYL* Rapide’ (polyglactin 910) Suture 4
½ Circle ⅝ Circle Straight
MONOCRYL* (poliglecaprone 25) Suture 5
Coated VICRYL* (polyglactin 910) Suture 6
Coated VICRYL* Monofilament Suture 7
Coated VICRYL* Plus Antibacterial
(polyglactin 910) Suture 8
PDS II* (polydioxanone) Suture 9

Wound Closure Chart 10 - 11

Needle Types
Taper Point ETHIGUARD* NON-ABSORBABLE Sutures
Needle Blunt Point Needle PERMA-HAND* Silk Suture 12
Surgical Steel Suture 13
NUROLON* Braided Nylon Suture 14
ETHILON* Nylon Suture 15
MERSILENE* Polyester Fiber Suture 16
ETHIBOND* Excel Polyester Suture 17
PROLENE* Polypropylene Suture 18
Conventional Reverse Cutting PRONOVA* poly (hexafluoropropylene-VDF) Suture 19
Cutting
Surgical Suture Needles 20 - 21

* Trademark

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 Surgical Gut Suture - Plain PRONOVA Suture

(Representative Product Box) (Representative Product Box)

Characteristics Surgical Gut Suture - Plain Characteristics PRONOVA Suture

Material Beef Serosa or Sheep Submucosa Material Polymer blend of poly (vinylidene fluoride)
and poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-
Natural / Synthetic Natural hexafluoropolypropylene)
Natural / Synthetic Synthetic
Construction Virtual Monofilament Absorbable
Coating Not Coated Construction Monofilament Non-Absorbable
Coating Not Coated
Color Yellowish - Tan
Available Size Range 3 – 7/0, Fast Absorbing Gut sizes 5/0 - 6/0 Color Blue and Clear
Strength Retention Profile Approximately 7 - 10 days post-op Available Size Range 2 through 10/0
Strength Retention Indefinite
Fast Absorbing Gut = Approximately 5 – 7 Profile
days post-op
Absorption Time Absorbed in 70 days, Absorption Time Non-absorbable suture is encapsulated in
Fast Absorbing Gut in 21-42 days tissues
Absorption Process Proteolytic enzymatic digestion Absorption Process Non-absorbable
Frequent Uses Ligation of superficial vessels; suture Frequent Uses Vascular anastomoses and general surgical
subcutaneous and tissues that heal indications
rapidly. Ophthalmology.
Fast Absorbing Gut for external use only. • Less susceptible to handling damage than other monofilament
sutures.
• Provides effective short-term wound support. • Minimal package memory.
• Consistently smooth strands allow for easy tie down, • Strong, smooth monofilament suture.
minimizing fraying.

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 PROLENE Suture Surgical Gut Suture - Chromic

(Representative Product Box) (Representative Product Box)

Characteristics PROLENE Suture Characteristics Surgical Gut Suture - Chromic

Material Polypropylene Material Beef Serosa or Sheep Submucosa

Natural / Synthetic Synthetic Natural / Synthetic Natural

Construction Monofilament Non-Absorbable Construction Virtual Monofilament Absorbable
Coating Not Coated Coating Chromic Salts to retard absorption

Color Blue and Clear Color Natural Brown and Dyed Blue
Available Size Range 2 through 10/0 Available Size Range 3 – 7/0
Strength Retention Profile Indefinite Strength Retention Strength retention for approximately
Profile 21 – 28 days post-op

Absorption Time Non-absorbable suture is encapsulated in

tissues Absorption Time Absorbed in 90 days
Absorption Process Non-absorbable Absorption Process Proteolytic enzymatic digestion
Frequent Uses General, plastic, cardiovascular surgery Frequent Uses Ligation of superficial vessels; suturing of
and skin closure; ophthalmology subcutaneous and other rapid healing
tissues. Ophthalmology.
• Unique CONTROLLED LINEAR ELONGATION gives the surgeon a
“built-in” indicator of appropriate knot tension when tying.
• TRU-GUAGING ensures consistent strand from batch to batch.
• Plastic knot deformity provides for secure surgical knots.
• TRU-CHROMICIZING ensures consistent, predictable absorption.
• PROLENE suture is the most commonly used polypropylene
• Dyed blue for ophthalmic surgery.
cardiovascular suture in the world.

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 Coated VICRYL RAPIDE Suture ETHIBOND Excel Suture

(Representative Product Box) (Representative Product Box)

Characteristics Coated VICRYL RAPIDE Characteristics ETHIBOND Excel Suture

Suture Material Polyester / Dacron
Material Polyglactin 910. Copolymer of 90%
glycolide and 10% L-lactide Natural / Synthetic Synthetic
Natural / Synthetic Synthetic Construction Braided Non-Absorbable
Construction Braided Absorbable Coating Polybutilate
Coating 50% Polyglactin 370 and 50% Calcium
Stearate Color Green and White
Color Undyed – Natural Beige Available Size Range 5 through 7/0
Available Size Range 1 through 5/0 Strength Retention Profile Indefinite
Strength Retention Profile 50% of original strength remains @ 5 days
post-op
0% @ 14 days post-op Absorption Time Non-absorbable suture is encapsulated in
Absorption Time Completely absorbed in 42 days tissues
Absorption Process Hydrolysis Absorption Process Non-Absorbable
Frequent Uses Superficial soft tissue approximation of the Frequent Uses General surgery, cardiovascular and plastic
skin and mucosa where short term wound surgery; retention
support is required
• ETHIBOND Excel suture is stronger than any other braided
• Provides effective short-term wound support.
polyester suture.
• Fastest absorbing synthetic absorbable suture available from • Superior pliability when compared to competitive products.
ETHICON. • Coating has a natural affinity to the suture, will not “flake off”
• Soft, comfortable suture in delicate tissues. like silicone coatings.
• Unique polybutilate coating provides for optimal tie down.

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 MERSILENE Suture MONOCRYL Suture

(Representative Product Box) (Representative Product Box)

Characteristics MERSILENE Suture Characteristics MONOCRYL Suture

Material Polyester / Dacron Material Poliglecaprone 25
(copolymer of glycolide and e-Caprolactone)
Natural / Synthetic Synthetic Natural / Synthetic Synthetic
Construction Braided and Monofilament Non-Absorbable Construction Monofilament Absorbable
Coating Not Coated Coating Not Coated

Color Green and White Color Undyed - Beige and Dyed - Violet
Available Size Range Braided 5 through 6/0 Available Size Range 2 through 6/0
Monofilament 10/0 – 11/0 Strength Retention Undyed - 50-60% @ 7 days post-op
Strength Retention Indefinite Profile 20-30% @ 14 days post-op
Profile Dyed - 60-70% @ 7 days post-op
30-40% @ 14 days post-op
Absorption Time Non-absorbable suture is encapsulated in Absorption Time Completely absorbed in 91-119 days
tissues Absorption Process Hydrolysis
Absorption Process Non-Absorbable Frequent Uses General soft tissue approximation and/or
Frequent Uses General surgery, cardiovascular and plastic ligation.
surgery; retention
• MONOCRYL suture is pliable and easy to handle and tie.
• EXCLUSIVE size 10/0 and 11/0 for ophthalmic surgery. • Provides effective short to medium-term wound support.
• Outstanding strength and reliability. • Excellent knot security for a monofilament suture.
• White MERSILENE suture is the common suture of choice for
tendon surgery.

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 Coated VICRYL Suture ETHILON* Nylon Suture

(Representative Product Box) (Representative Product Box)

Characteristics Coated VICRYL Suture Characteristics ETHILON Nylon Suture

Material Polyglactin 910 Material Nylon 6
(copolymer of glycolide and lactide)
Natural / Synthetic Synthetic Natural / Synthetic Synthetic
Construction Braided Absorbable Construction Monofilament Non-Absorbable
Coating 50% Polyglactin 370 and 50% Calcium Coating Not Coated
Stearate
Color Violet and Undyed – Natural Beige Color Black, Green and Clear
Available Size Range 3 through 8/0 Available Size Range 2 through 11/0
Strength Retention 75% of original strength @ 14 days post-op Strength Retention Profile Approximately 20% loss per year.
Profile 50% of original strength @ 21 days post-op
25% of original strength @ 28 days post-op
(Sizes 6/0 and larger) Absorption Time Non-absorbable suture is encapsulated in
Absorption Time Absorbed in 56 – 70 days, 63 days on tissues
average Absorption Process Non-Absorbable
Absorption Process Hydrolysis Frequent Uses Skin closure: retention; Plastic surgery,
Frequent Uses General soft tissue approximation and/or ophthalmology and microsurgery
ligation, including use in ophthalmology
• Pliabilised for ease of handling and tying.
• Coated VICRYL suture is the most commonly used synthetic • Medical grade nylon is strongest available for sutures.
absorbable suture in the world. • Attached to outstanding ETHICON Surgical needles.
• Easy, secure knot tying, as knots snug into place and hold
tight.
• Unique 28-day Strength Retention claim.
• Referenced in over 2000 clinical papers.

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 NUROLON Braided Nylon Suture Monofilament

(Representative Product Box)

(Representative Product Box)

Characteristics Coated VICRYL Suture

Characteristics NUROLON Braided Nylon Material Polyglactin 910
Suture (copolymer of glycolide and lactide)
Material Nylon 6 Natural / Synthetic Synthetic
Construction Monofilament Absorbable
Natural / Synthetic Synthetic Coating Not Coated
Construction Braided Non-Absorbable
Coating Not Coated Color Violet and Undyed – Natural Beige
Available Size Range 9/0 and 10/0
Color Black Strength Retention 75% of original strength @ 14 days post-op
Available Size Range 1 through 6/0 Profile 40% of original strength @ 21 days post-op
Strength Retention Approximately 20% loss per year
Profile Absorption Time Absorbed in 56 – 70 days, 63 days on
average
Absorption Time Non-absorbable suture is encapsulated in Absorption Process Hydrolysis
tissues Frequent Uses Ophthalmic and microsurgery indications
Absorption Process Non-Absorbable
Frequent Uses Ligation and general closure; neurosurgery • Monofilament provides smooth passage through soft, delicate
tissues.
• Nylon 6 is the strongest nylon available for medical use.
• Available on CONTROL RELEASE* surgical needles.
• Originally developed exclusively for the neurosurgeon as a
synthetic alternative to silk suture for use around the brain, but
has been utilized in many other surgical specialties.
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Coated VICRYL Suture
 Surgical Steel Suture

(Representative Product Box)

Characteristics Surgical Steel Suture

Characteristics Coated VICRYL Plus Suture
Material 316L Stainless Steel
Material Polyglactin 910
(copolymer of glycolide and lactide)
Natural / Synthetic Metal Alloy
Natural / Synthetic Synthetic
Construction Monofilament Non-Absorbable
Construction Braided Absorbable
Coating Not Coated
Coating Polyglactin 370 and IRGACARE MP
(triclosan)
Color Metallic Silver
Color Violet and Undyed – Natural Beige
Available Size Range 7 – 10/0
Available Size Range 1 through 6/0
Strength Retention Indefinite
Strength Retention 75% of original strength @ 14 days post-op
Profile
Profile 50% of original strength @ 21 days post-op
25% of original strength @ 28 days post-op
Absorption Time Non-absorbable suture is encapsulated in
Absorption Time Absorbed in 56 – 70 days, 63 days on
tissues
average
Absorption Process Non-Absorbable
Absorption Process Hydrolysis
Frequent Uses Abdominal wall and skin closure; retention;
Frequent Uses General soft tissue approximation and/or
tendon repair; orthopaedic & neurosurgery.
ligation
Sternum closure in cardiovascular surgery

• Offers protection against bacteria colonization of the suture.

• Wire is drawn at ETHICON to ensure highest quality product
• Suture contains IRGACARE MP, the purist form of the broad-
from raw material to finished goods.
spectrum antibacterial agent triclosan.
• Available on unique CCS and CCS-1 sternum closure needles.
• First and only anti-bacterial suture.
• Packaged in multi-stand put-ups for user convenience and
minimal waste.

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 PERMA-HAND Silk Suture PDS II Suture

(Representative Product Box) (Representative Product Box)

Characteristics PERMA-HAND Silk Suture Characteristics PDS II Suture

Material Natural protein fibre of raw silk spun by Material Polydioxanone
silkworms
Natural / Synthetic Natural Natural / Synthetic Synthetic
Construction Braided Non-Absorbable Construction Monofilament Absorbable
Coating Bees wax Coating Not Coated

Color Black and White Color Undyed Clear and Dyed Violet
Available Size Range 5 through 9/0 Available Size Range 2 through 9/0 dyed
Strength Retention Strength retention for approximately 1 year 1 through 7/0 undyed
Profile Strength Retention 75% of original strength @ 2 weeks post-op
Profile 50% of original strength @ 4 weeks post-op
Absorption Time Non-Absorbable 25% of original strength @ 6 weeks post-op
Absorption Process Non-Absorbable Absorption Time Absorbed in 180 – 210 days
Frequent Uses Ligation and general closure; general Absorption Process Hydrolysis
surgery. Ophthalmology, plastic surgery Frequent Uses Soft tissue approximation, including use in
and neurosurgery pediatric cardiovascular tissue where growth
is expected to occur; ophthalmic surgery
• Slow controlled braiding for consistency of diameter smooth
easy passage through tissues. • At 42 days post-op, PDS II suture has more than twice as
• All strands are de-gummed strength and consistency. much strength as Maxon and Biosyn.
• Silk is sourced from our own manufacturing plant at Johnson • Smooth easy passage through tissues.
& Johnson Medical in China. • Less out-of-package memory than competition.
• Outstanding pliability in a monofilament suture.

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