Biodegradable Suture Research Articles

11-0 Mersilene as Running Suture for Penetrating Keratoplasty

We evaluated astigmatic results and complications of the combined suturing technique in penetrating keratoplasty by using 11-0 Mersilene as a running suture. Twenty-seven grafts were studied for a follow-up that ranged between ten and 46 months (mean, 27.2 months). During the study, complications included three graft failures, one instance of inadvertent breakage of the running suture, one instance of one suture bite cutting through the recipient cornea, and suture microabscesses in two eyes. Keratometric astigmatism was 2.5 +/- 2.1 diopters at six months, was 2.4 +/- 2.3 diopters at 12 months, and was 2.5 +/- 2.0 diopters at 24 months. Our data indicate that 11-0 Mersilene is suitable for the running suture in corneal transplants in the combined technique. Spontaneous suture dissolution did not occur throughout the follow-up period. The use of a less biodegradable suture enables the maintenance of low levels of astigmatism for longer periods when compared with a previous study that used 11-0 nylon suture.

Biodegradable Fixation of Distal Humeral Physeal Fractures

Polyglycolic acid (PGA) has been used worldwide as a biodegradable suture material since 1970. Biodegradable polyglycolide implants were introduced in osteofixation of cancellous bone fractures in 1985. From September 1987 to September 1989, 19 consecutive children with physeal fractures of the distal humerus necessitating open reduction and internal fixation were treated by transphyseal biodegradable fixation using 1.5 x 60-mm2 self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) pins. Included were nine displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle, five severe avulsions of the medial epicondyle of the humerus, four displaced fractures of the humeral capitellum, and one intraarticular fracture of the medial condyle of the humerus. After accurate reduction, two smooth Kirschner pins 1.5 mm in diameter were introduced across the growth plate for temporary fixation. The metallic pins then were removed one by one and subsequently replaced with the cylindrical SR-PGA pins 1.5 mm in diameter. After operation, a padded plaster splint was worn for four weeks. Neither secondary displacement nor signs of growth disturbance were seen during the 26-month follow-up time (mean, 17.2 months). Not only the reduction of the costs but also the psychological aspects should be considered when dealing with biodegradable fixation of physeal fractures in children. Transphyseal biodegradable fixation has established itself as a procedure of choice for handling simple physeal fractures.

Fixation of diaphyseal femoral osteotomy with self-reinforced biodegradable intramedullary implants: An experimental study on growing dogs

Polyglycolic acid (PGA) was investigated for use as a biodegradable suture and fixation material for the repair of soft and osseous tissue. Selfreinforced (SR-) PGA has been used successfully since 1984 as an internal fixation material for fixation of cancellous bone fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible usefulness of an intramedullary SR-PGA rod in the fixation of femoral shaft osteotomy in the growing dog. Osteotomy of the right femur was made in 14 Beagle dogs at 12 weeks of age. After accurate reduction, the osteotomy was fixed with an intramedullary 4·5 x 60 mm SR-PGA rod. The intramedullary SR-PGA rod provided sufficient stability for healing of a femoral shaft osteotomy in the growing dog and did not cause any significant growth disturbance.

XPS and SIMS studies of biodegradable suture materials

AbstractXPS and SIMS have been used to examine the surface composition of copolymers of glycolide (cyclic dimer of glycolic acid) and trimethylene carbonate (TMC) as solvent‐cast films. XPS results on the polymers agree with bulk composition data. SIMS measurements suggest surface enrichment of the TMC component.

Experimental and early clinical evaluation of vascular anastomoses with argon laser fusion and the use of absorbable guy sutures: A preliminary report

This study investigated the feasibility of forming vascular anastomoses by use of argon laser tissue fusion and absorbable, monofilament polydimethylsiloxane guy sutures. In initial animal studies femoral arteriovenous fistulas approximately 1.5 cm in length were created bilaterally in each of 10 dogs and were studied histologically at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks (two animals in each interval). In each animal, one anastomosis (control) was formed with continuous 6-0 polypropylene suture, and the contralateral anastomosis (experimental) was performed with an argon laser (0.5 watt, 5 to 7 minutes exposure, energy fluence 1100 to 1500 joules/cm2 per 1 cm length) with stay sutures of 5-0 polydimethylsiloxane at 0.5 to 0.65 cm intervals. At removal, all anastomoses were patent without hematomas, aneurysms, or luminal narrowing. Histologic examination at 2 to 16 weeks demonstrated resorption of the biodegradable suture material by a local inflammatory reaction. By 24 weeks, laser-fused specimens had no evidence of suture material at the anastomotic line, and healing consisted of a bond between artery and vein wall tissues. Control suture specimens at the same intervals exhibited an organized fibrous tissue response to the suture. Clinical adaptability of this technology has subsequently been evaluated in five patients at 10 to 27 months (21.6 ± 5.8) by physical examination and duplex scanning and demonstrate no evidence of abnormal healing. This study establishes the experimental and preliminary clinical feasibility of laser-fused anastomoses aligned by biodegradable guy sutures and supports further investigation and refinement of the technique.

Initial human evaluation of argon laser-assisted vascular anastomoses.

Forearm Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistulas were chosen for the initial clinical evaluation of argon laser-assisted anastomosis of human vessels. Ten patients with chronic renal failure had side-to-side radial artery/cephalic vein fistulas fused by laser. Incisions 1.2 to 1.5 cm in length were made in adjacent segments of artery and vein and were aligned for application of laser energy by four 6-0 polypropylene sutures. The sutures divided each fistula into four segments that were 5.0 to 6.5 mm long. Each segment was sealed satisfactorily in 75 to 100 seconds by use of 0.5 W, 1130 to 1520 joule/cm2 argon laser energy fluence. Seven (17.5%) of 40 bonds required an additional 7-0 biodegradable suture to close small gaps that did not fuse adequately. Serial prospective follow-up studies of the patients by physical examination and duplex scanning for periods of 12 to 20 months (15.4 +/- 2.8, n = 7) postoperatively have shown uniformly patent, compliant anastomoses with no evidence of hematomas, false aneurysms, or luminal narrowing. Histologic examination of two patent fistulas that were excised during revision procedures at 4 and 5 months postoperatively showed healing of the entire circumference of the anastomosis similar to that noted in extensive preclinical canine studies. We conclude from these preliminary results that argon laser vascular tissue fusion is possible in humans when reliable primary sealing of vascular anastomoses is achieved, and that healing occurs without aneurysmal dilatation during follow-up of up to 20 months.

Initial human evaluation of argon laser-assisted vascular anastomoses

Forearm Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistulas were chosen for the initial clinical evaluation of argon laser-assisted anastomosis of human vessels. Ten patients with chronic renal failure had side-to-side radial artery/cephalic vein fistulas fused by laser. Incisions 1.2 to 1.5 cm in length were made in adjacent segments of artery and vein and were aligned for application of laser energy by four 6-0 polypropylene sutures. The sutures divided each fistula into four segments that were 5.0 to 6.5 mm long. Each segment was sealed satisfactorily in 75 to 100 seconds by use of 0.5 W, 1130 to 1520 joule/cm2 argon laser energy fluence. Seven (17.5%) of 40 bonds required an additional 7-0 biodegradable suture to close small gaps that did not fuse adequately. Serial prospective follow-up studies of the patients by physical examination and duplex scanning for periods of 12 to 20 months (15.4 ± 2.8, n = 7) postoperatively have shown uniformly patent, compliant anastomoses with no evidence of hematomas, false aneurysms, or luminal narrowing. Histologic examination of two patent fistulas that were excised during revision procedures at 4 and 5 months postoperatively showed healing of the entire circumference of the anastomosis similar to that noted in extensive preclinical canine studies. We conclude from these preliminary results that argon laser vascular tissue fusion is possible in humans when reliable primary sealing of vascular anastomoses is achieved, and that healing occurs without aneurysmal dilatation during follow-up of up to 20 months.

Time to failure of biodegradable sutures: A new approach

Technique pour evaluer la biodegradation et la durabilite de sutures chirurgicales en acide polyglycolique

Postpartum IUD insertions in Manila, Philippines.

In comparative IUD trials conducted in the Philippines, IUDs were inserted immediately postpartum (within ten minutes postplacenta). The first study was designed to compare the IPCS-52 mg (Intrauterine Progestasert Contraceptive System) IUD with the TCu200 when inserted either by hand or with an inserter. Follow-up continued for three years because the IPCS model was designed to release progesterone for this length of time. There was one suspected pregnancy for which the IUD was removed during the study period. The expulsion rates were higher in the IPCS groups than in the TCu groups (p less than or equal to 0.05) and they were higher in the hand insertion groups than in the inserter groups (p less than or equal to 0.05). The second study was a comparison of the Lippes Loop D and a Delta Loop, modified by the addition of three biodegradable suture projections (made of Ethicon #2 chromic material) on the upper arms of the device. The purpose of this modification was to lower the expulsion rates associated with postpartum insertions. The expulsion rates for these two devices were comparable. There were no difficulties during insertion in either study, and few complaints were reported at follow-up. These two studies demonstrated that immediate postpartum IUD insertion proved a safe, effective means of postpartum contraception.

Arthroscopic Repair and Augmentation of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Cadaver Knees

An experimental method for arthroscopic repair and augmentation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was designed by experiments on fresh cadaver specimens. The procedure was performed arthroscopically. No arthrotomy or patellar dislocation was necessary. Established principles of ACL surgery were strictly applied, e.g., placement of holes; internal splinting; preservation of blood supply; utilization of ACL remnants at the tibial attachment. As much of the normal anatomy of the knee as possible was preserved, and some of the undesirable features of major knee surgery were avoided. With further research and development of materials (e.g., an implantable hook and either freeze-dried fascia or biodegradable suture for the internal splint), the described technical ideas have potential application as an effective arthroscopic procedure for the treatment of ACL deficiency.