Polytetrafluoroethylene Sutures Research Articles

Compari̇son of PTFE sutures with polypropylene sutures in suprapopliteal femoropopliteal bypass with PTFE grafts

Aim: Infrainguinal bypass surgery stands as the predominant open surgical procedure for lower limb revascularization and is reserved for cases of intermittent claudication (IC) that have proven unresponsive to maximal medical management. Polypropylene monofilament sutures have been widely used for peripheral vascular surgery operations. Aim of this study is comparing this new type of suture with propylene sutures. Material and Methods: Between January 2022 and December 2022, two cohorts who underwent suprapopliteal femoropopliteal bypass surgery, each comprising 15 patients were included in the study. In Group I (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Group), PTFE served as the suture material, whereas in Group 2 (Non PTFE Group), polypropylene sutures were employed. All preoperative demographics, perioperative and postoperative data were collected carefully. Results: All patients underwent surgical interventions due to either rest pain or ischemic ulcers. Among the 30 patients, 11 fell into Fontaine class 4, while 19 were categorized as Fontaine class 3. Out of the 30 patients, 18 received cilostazol treatment. The mean age of the patient cohort was 66.97±7.4 years, with a mean body mass index of 29.03±6.2. When we compared the two groups, no statistically significant difference was found between groups according to demographic data. In the evaluation of intraoperative data, the mean operation time was 88.7±9.37 minutes, and the mean hemostasis time was 5.8±2.8 minutes. Group I (PTFE group) exhibited significantly lower hemostasis time and drainage levels on the first and second postoperative days (p<0.0001, p=0.03, and p=0.017, respectively). The use of absorbable hemostats were significantly less in PTFE suture group. Conclusion: The selection of sutures significantly influences the achievement of soft tissue approximation, reduced inflammation, suture hole leakage and capsule formation.

Склерокорнеальная фиксация заднекамерных интраокулярных линз в осложненных случаях хирургии катаракты с использованием политетрафторэтиленовых нитей

Original article Sclerocorneal fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses in complicated cases of cataract surgery using polytetrafluoroethylene sutures T.G. Sazhin, M.O. Sokolova Clinical Hospital «RZD-Medicine», Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation S.M. Kirov Militar y Medical Academy Ministr y of Defense of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation Relevance. Dislocation of the intraocular lens (IOL) is a serious complication in cataract surgery. Therefore, the search for an effective method of IOL fixation for non-standard surgical situations is still important. Purpose. To analyze clinical results of flanged corneoscleral IOL fixation the technique using polytetrafluoroethylene sutures. Material and methods. The results of surgical treatment of 34 patients (34 eyes) who underwent IOL suturing with suture material made of polytetrafluoroethylene 6-0 (Ecoflon) through the sclera and fixation of flanges in the lumen of corneal paracentesis (Sclerocorneal IOL Fixation Technique) without incisions of the conjunctiva and sclera were analyzed. Results. The average index of maximally corrected visual acuity before surgery was 0.27±0.11. A day after surgery, this parameter increased to 0.41±0.1. One week after surgery, the average index of maximally corrected visual acuity was 0.65±0.1, while the improvement in visual acuity was statistically significantly different from the parameter before surgery and a day after surgery (p<0.05). Conclusion. Application of polytetrafluoroethylene suture material in the ab externo technique, passing through the sclera and fixing the flanges in the lumen of the corneal paracentesis is safe and effective method. As a result, patients had positive visual acuity dynamics with a low frequency of complications. Key words: dislocation of IOL, aphakia, sclerocorneal fixation, polytetrafluoroethylene suture, flanged technique

Comprehensive approach for capsular bag fixation in subluxated crystalline lens: preserving the anterior/posterior anatomical segment barrier.

To report the intraoperative performance and postoperative outcomes of crystalline lens removal and in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with scleral-bag fixation by means of capsular tension segments (CTSs) and a capsular tension ring (CTR) in patients with a subluxated lens. Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. Retrospective, consecutive case series. This study included patients with subluxated crystalline lens who underwent lensectomy or cataract extraction using an anterior chamber maintainer (ACM), a CTR, transscleral capsular-bag fixation by polytetrafluoroethylene suture with 2 CTSs, and in-the-bag IOL implantation. Outcome measures included intra- and postoperative complications, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), target and postoperative refraction, and IOL tilt. 17 eyes (9 patients) were included, with a mean follow-up of 22.06 ± 14.88 months. There was a significant improvement in mean logMAR CDVA ( P < .001), with 15 eyes (88.24%) achieving a Snellen CDVA of 20/30 or better and all eyes achieving 20/40 or better. The mean refractive spherical-equivalent prediction error was 0.07 ± 1.10 diopters (D), with 10 (58.82%) and 15 (88.24%) of eyes within ±0.50 D and 1.00 D, respectively, from the intended refraction. The mean horizontal and vertical tilts were 1.9 ± 2.6 degrees and 2.6 ± 2.1 degrees, respectively. No complications were observed except for 1 case of an intraoperative posterior-capsular tear. A comprehensive surgical approach for scleral-bag fixation that combines the use of an ACM, CTR, polytetrafluoroethylene sutures, 2 CTSs with in-the-bag IOL implantation, offers an effective strategy for achieving favorable visual outcomes and a low incidence of complications in patients with subluxated crystalline lenses.

Evaluation of a Novel Automated Suturing Technology for Mitral Chordal Implantation: 1-Year Results

PurposeA new automated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) suture placement device and a new customized titanium fastener deployment device were clinically evaluated in open and less-invasive mitral valve repair (MVr). DescriptionTwelve patients were monitored for 1 year after undergoing MVr using the study devices. The study end points included surgical outcomes, operative times, valve repair durability, adverse events, and mortality. EvaluationThree patients received 1 ePTFE chord using the study technology, and 9 patients received 2 chords. Mitral regurgitation at 30 days was absent in 8 patients, trace in 2, and mild in 2. At the 1-year follow-up, mitral regurgitation was absent in 7 patients, trace in 2, mild in 2, and moderate in 1. There were no replacement chord failures, reoperations, or death. ConclusionsThe initial outcomes of new automated ePTFE suture placement and titanium fastener deployment devices encourage further clinical evaluations.

Internal circular suture annuloplasty for aortic valve repair.

Stabilizing the aorto-ventricular junction is integral in aortic valve repair. We report our technique of internal circular suture annuloplasty. We used a continuous horizontal mattress suture of a single thick expanded polytetrafluoroethylene suture (CV-3). We put 4 stitches per sinus, so the suture was below the cusp attachment line at the nadirs and passed through the interleaflet triangle at the upper aorto-ventricular junction level. The suture was reinforced with pericardial pledgets on both sides of each commissure. We used this technique in 12 patients. The diameter of aorto-ventricular junction was reduced from 25 ± 2mm to 22 ± 1mm (n = 11) and was 22 ± 1mm at the latest follow-up (4-74months, median 41, n = 10). In 2 patients with large aorto-ventricular junction (27mm or more), expected annular reduction was not achieved. Our modified technique is simple and seems durable. It may be useful for mild annular dilatation.

Percutaneous reduction of septal-to-lateral mitral annular distance to increase mitral leaflet coaptation length: Preclinical study results.

Percutaneous indirect annuloplasty has emerged as a treatment strategy for functional/ischemic mitral regurgitation. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous indirect annuloplasty technique using a new device. The device has 3 components: the "saddle" inserted into the great cardiac vein, the "plug" positioned in the left ventricular outflow tract, and the "bridge," a transatrial suture connecting the 2 holding elements. The aim was to shorten the septal-to-lateral distance of the mitral annulus by pulling on the saddle element. The procedure was performed through venous access in healthy adult sheep. A dedicated catheter holding a needle was used to deploy the saddle into the great cardiac vein and pierce its wall toward the left atrium to deploy the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene suture that is part of the bridge. A catheter for transseptal puncture was inserted for crossing the interatrial septum and piercing the aortic-mitral curtain, thereby allowing the plug to be deployed. The plug was held in place by the second part of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene bridge. The 2 parts of the bridge were then joined to reduce the septal-to-lateral mitral annular distance. The septal-to-lateral distance and the coaptation length at P2 level were measured before and after the procedure using echocardiography. Overall, 10 animals were treated, 7 successfully. The mean procedure duration was 110±81minutes. Septal-to-lateral distance decreased from 3.8mm to 2.6mm (30%), and maximum increase of mitral leaflet coaptation was 4mm. This new approach seems promising for percutaneous treatment of functional mitral regurgitation.

The modified technique of «leaflet folding» in replacement of chordae tendineae with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures in mitral valve repair

The modified technique of «leaflet folding» in replacement of chordae tendineae with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures in mitral valve repair

Use of Novel Configuration with Suture Kit Device for Robotic-assisted Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To assess safety and efficacy of performing robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RA-SCP) using a four-arm robotic configuration and suture kit system. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospective case series. <h3>Setting</h3> Tertiary care referral center. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Patients undergoing RA-SCP with or without concomitant hysterectomy. <h3>Interventions</h3> All procedures were performed using four-arm robotic configuration and the Stitch Kit® polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (Origami Surgical) suture kit device. The configuration included four 8 mm ports: one camera port and three working ports. No bedside assistant port was used. The Stitch Kit® PTFE, a canister with 6 polytetrafluoroethylene sutures and a separate compartment for used needles, was inserted into the abdominal cavity through a 8 mm umbilical skin incision prior to robotic docking. After suturing, each needle was replaced in the canister. The canister was closed and removed through the umbilical port site at the end of the case. No fascial closure of port sites was required. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> 422 patients underwent RA-SCP for pelvic organ prolapse from 2018-2021. Mean age was 60 ± 10 years and mean BMI was 27 ± 6 kg/m². Most patients had stage III prolapse (73%) and underwent concomitant total hysterectomy (70%). 99% (n=416) of cases were completed robotically; of the 1% (n=6) not completed robotically, 5 had sacrospinous ligament suspensions due to presence of prior eroded foreign body material or extensive adhesions and 1 was aborted due to colorectal mass. The Stitch Kit® canister was successfully inserted and removed in all cases completed robotically with correct needle counts. 337 (80%) of participants followed up at 3 months. No umbilical or port site hernias were reported. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our case series illustrates that RA-SCP can be performed safely using a four-arm robotic configuration with a suture kit device. This setup eliminates the need for any incisions greater than 8 mm and an assistant port. These modifications allow for surgical efficiency without compromising patient outcomes.

One-Year Postoperative Outcomes following Transfixion of Foldable Intraocular Lens with Polytetrafluoroethylene Suture for Scleral Fixation

We examined 19 eyes of 19 patients. Significant improvement in visual acuity was noted in all cases. In addition, most of the IOLs (84.21%) were well centered, and 3 eyes (15.78%) presented mild inferior decentration. Only one eye (5.26%) developed mild pigment dispersion with no evidence of glaucoma.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a Suture Material in Tendon Surgery.

With the evolution of suture materials, there has been a change in paradigms in primary and secondary tendon repair. Improved mechanical properties allow more aggressive rehabilitation and earlier recovery. However, for the repair to hold against higher mechanical demands, more advanced suturing and knotting techniques must be assessed in combination with those materials. In this protocol, the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a suture material in combination with different repair techniques was investigated. In the first part of the protocol, both linear tension strength and elongation of knotted against not-knotted strands of three different materials used in flexor tendon repair were evaluated. The three different materials are polypropylene (PPL), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a braided jacket of polyester (UHMWPE), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In the next part (ex vivo experiments with cadaveric flexor tendons), the behavior of PTFE using different suture techniques was assessed and compared with PPL and UHMWPE. This experiment is comprised of four steps: harvesting of the flexor tendons from fresh cadaveric hands, transection of the tendons in a standardized manner, tendon repair by four different techniques, mounting, and measurement of the tendon repairs on a standard linear dynamometer. The UHMWPE and PTFE showed comparable mechanical properties and were significantly superior to PPL in terms of linear traction strength. Repairs with four- and six-strand techniques proved stronger than two-strand techniques. Handling and knotting of PTFE are a challenge due to very low surface friction but fastening of the four- or six-strand repair is comparatively easy to achieve. Surgeons routinely use PTFE suture material in cardiovascular surgery and breast surgery. The PTFE strands are suitable for use in tendon surgery, providing a robust tendon repair so that early active motion regimens for rehabilitation can be applied.

Artificial chordae for mitral valve repair.

Mitral valve repair using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures to replace mitral chordae tendineae is a well-established procedure. However, the incidence of neo-chordae failure causing recurrent mitral regurgitation is not well defined. We have reviewed the reported cases of complications after mitral valve repair related to the use of neo-chordae. This study was mainly carried out through PubMed, Medline, and Google Chrome websites. We have identified a total of 26 patients presenting with rupture of polytetrafluoroethylene neo-chordae, mostly being described as isolated cases. Few other cases of recurrent mitral regurgitation with hemolysis were found, where reoperation was not caused by neo-chordal failure but most likely by technical errors. At pathological investigation the findings were substantially similar in all reported cases. The neo-chordae retained their length and pliability, became covered with host tissue and rupture was mainly related to suture size. Mild calcification was observed not interfering with chordal function; chordal infection did never occur. The use of artificial neo-chordae provides excellent late results with durable mitral valve repair stability. Chordal rupture may occur late postoperatively leading to reoperation because of recurrent mitral regurgitation. Despite its rarity, this potential complication should not be overlooked during follow-up of patients after mitral valve repair using artificial neo-chordae.

Leaflet plication with neochordae implantation: A novel technique for mitral valve repair.

Leaflet plication with neochordae implantation: A novel technique for mitral valve repair.

Simplifying Mitral Valve Repair: A Guide to Neochordae Reconstruction.

Mitral valve reconstruction techniques using polytetrafluoroethylene sutures are associated with high repair rates and excellent durability but are dependent on accurate neochordae length estimates. Current strategies to determine the appropriate length of artificial neochordae commonly rely on nonphysiologic saline testing on the arrested heart, with erroneous lengths resulting in residual mitral regurgitation. We present a guide for reproducible and accurate neochordae reconstruction based upon transesophageal echocardiographic measurements, which simplifies mitral repair for most patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation and can be used in conventional or minimally invasive approaches.

Chordal Replacement With Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Sutures to Correct Leaflet Prolapse

In this issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Lang and associates1 from the German Heart Center in Munich have a paper on mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation due to leaflet prolapse using exclusively chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures and mitral annuloplasty in a cohort of 346 patients followed for 10 or more years. These patients were identified from a much larger group of 807 patients who had mitral valve repair by three surgeons over 7- to 8-year interval, indicating a high volume of this type of heart valve surgery.

Surgical mitral valve repair technique considerations based on the available evidence.

Mitral valve regurgitation is the second most common valve disease in the western world. Surgery is currently the best tool for generating a long-lasting elimination of mitral valve regurgitation. However, the mitral valve apparatus is a complex anatomical and functional structure, and repair results and durability show substantial heterogeneity. This is not only due to differences in the underlying mitral valve regurgitation pathophysiology but also due to differences in repair techniques. Repair philosophies differ substantially from one surgeon to the other, and consensus for the technically best repair strategy has not been reached yet. We had previously addressed this topic by suggesting that ring sizing is "voodoo". We now review the available evidence regarding the various repair techniques described for structural and functional mitral valve regurgitation. Herein, we illustrate that for structural mitral valve regurgitation, resuspension of prolapsing valve segments or torn chordae with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures and annuloplasty can generate the most durable results paired with the best achievable hemodynamics. For functional mitral valve regurgitation, the evidence suggests that annuloplasty alone is insufficient in most cases to generate durable results, and additional subvalvular strategies are associated with improved durability and possibly improved clinical outcomes. This review addresses current strategies but also implausibilities in mitral valve repair and informs the mitral valve surgeon about the current evidence. We believe that this information may help improve outcomes in mitral valve repair as the heterogeneity of mitral valve regurgitation pathophysiology does not allow a one-size-fits-all concept.

A simplified approach to determine the ventriculoaortic junction diameter in the reimplantation procedures.

In aortic valve–sparing procedures, sufficient effective height (EH) is essential for long-term aortic valve durability.1 The plication of the nodule of Arantius (central plication) and the free margin resuspension with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures are performed to obtain sufficient EH, but overcorrection brings the immobility of the cusp and the gap in the central coaptation zone. In the reimplantation procedure, reducing the ventriculoaortic junction (VAJ) diameter with the proximal suture line is another option for increasing the coaptation height2; however, the degree of the reduction must be decided at the beginning of the procedure before the cusp configuration is completed.

A case of double‐chambered right ventricle due to cap‐like fibrous tissue and aberrant chordal insertion of tricuspid valve in adult

A double-chambered right ventricle is a rare congenital heart disease where an anomalous structure divides the right ventricle into two cavities. A 78-year-old man with dyspnea was referred to our institution for a double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Echocardiography showed normal left ventricular function, right ventricular hypertrophy, and mild tricuspid regurgitation. On parasternal short-axis views, color-flow Doppler studies showed a mosaic pattern through the stenotic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Cardiac catheterization showed a 122 mmHg pressure gradient between the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber of the RVOT. Computed tomography showed a cap-like structure consisting of fibrous tissue, with moderate stenosis, which divided the right ventricle into two cavities. The aberrant tendinous chords supporting the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve were found inserted into the anterior wall of the RV (Figure 1). Resection of the cap-like fibrous tissue and abnormal muscle (Figure 2), detachment of aberrant tendinous chords of the tricuspid valve, closure of VSD by direct suture, and tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) were performed. TVP was achieved using an artificial chordae replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (CV-5) suture and a 32-mm Physio Tricuspid annuloplasty ring (Edwards Lifeline). Postoperative echocardiography revealed no RVOT pressure gradient and a normal right ventricular pressure of 21 mmHg. In conclusion, we report a rare case of DCRV secondary to a cap-like structure fibrous tissue with anomalous chordal insertion of a tricuspid valve leaflet.

Management of late in-the-bag IOL dislocation with exchange and scleral fixation of IOL with the transfixion technique

Introduction: Late in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a serious complication of cataract surgery. Patient and clinical findings: A 70-year-old woman with a history of left eye cataract surgery presented with progressively decreasing vision that had worsened over the past 6 months. In the left eye, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was counting fingers at 5 m, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/25 (+12.25 −1.25 × 180), and the intraocular pressure was normal. An anterior segment examination revealed severe inferior dislocation of the IOL-capsular bag complex. Diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes: The patient was diagnosed with late in-the-bag IOL dislocation and underwent IOL–capsular bag complex explantation with sulcus-sutured IOL implantation using a new scleral fixation technique that included transfixion of a foldable acrylic IOL with polytetrafluoroethylene suture. The postoperative outcome was good; the UDVA was 20/70, and the CDVA was 20/25, and there were no postoperative complications such as infection, suture erosion, iritis, uveitis, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal detachment. Conclusions: Late in-the-bag IOL dislocation was safely managed with IOL–capsular bag complex explantation and scleral fixation of a foldable posterior chamber IOL. This transfixion technique can be used for scleral fixation in patients with late in-the-bag IOL dislocation.

Mitral valve repair for myxomatous mitral regurgitation; Respect or Resect

Background: The superiority of mitral repair using resection of the posterior leaflet versus neo-artificial chordea is still debatable. The objective of this study was to compare leaflet resection versus chordal replacement for mitral valve repair in patients with isolated myxomatous degeneration of the posterior mitral valve leaflet. &#x0D; Methods: This study was conducted on 199 patients with severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation due to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. Patients were grouped into two groups: Group (1): Respect technique which included 76 patients who had limited resection of the anterior leaflet, chordal transfer, and replacement of anterior leaflet chordae by polytetrafluoroethylene sutures, and placement of annuloplasty ring. Group (2): Resect technique included 123 patients where the operation was done by resecting the prolapsed mid scallop of the posterior leaflet and placement of flexible annuloplasty ring.&#x0D; Results: There was no difference between both groups regarding gender. Patients in the Respect group were younger (37 (25th- 75th percentiles: 29- 44) vs. 54 (48- 60) years, P&lt;0.001). The minimally invasive approach was more commonly used in patients who had resection techniques (20 (26.32%) vs. 106 (86.18%); P&lt;0.001). Ischemic (99 (95- 106) vs. 79 (75- 82); P&lt;0.001) and cardiopulmonary bypass times (134.5 (130- 138.5) vs. 99 (97- 104) min; P&lt;0.001) were higher in the Respect group. Blood loss was more in the Resect group (370 (305- 390) vs. 550 (490- 600) ml; P&lt;0.001). There were no differences in the postoperative complications between groups. ICU stay was longer in patients in the Resect group (5 (5- 6) vs. 7 (6- 8) days; P&lt;0.001). Mitral valve gradient after 12 months was significantly higher in the Resect group (3 (3- 3.5) vs. 4 (3- 5) mmHg; P&lt;0.001). Mitral valve reoperation was required more in patients in the Respect group (5 (6.58%) vs. 1 (0.81%); P= 0.03).&#x0D; Conclusions: Both Respect and resect techniques for mitral valve repair had comparable outcomes and durability. The repair technique should be tailored according to the mitral valve pathology.

Evaluation of Bacterial Colonization and Clinical Properties of Different Suture Materials in Dentoalveoler Surgery

This study aimed to compare the effects of 10 different suture materials commonly used in dentoalveolar surgery on wound healing, their postoperative microbial colonization, and related clinical parameters. A total of 172 suture samples from patients who had undergone extraction of impacted third molars were included in the study. The suture materials studied were poly-glycolide-colactide, fast absorbable poly-glycolide-colactide, poly-glycolic acid-cocaprolactone, polydioxanone,silk, polypropylene, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyamide, polyester, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The microbial colonization in all sutures and clinical parameters were evaluated after 1 week. Multifilament sutures had higher bacterial colonization compared with monofilamentsutures (P < .001). No dental plaque accumulation was observed in any samples of polypropylene sutures. Polydioxanone, PTFE, and poly-glycolic acid-cocaprolactone sutures exhibited less postoperative slack compared with all other sutures after 1 week.Patients with silk, polyvinylidene difluoride, and PTFE sutures had less suture-related discomfort. According to the Landry index score, monofilament sutures demonstrated superior wound healing to multifilament sutures (P=.019). In addition, nonabsorbable sutures showed significantly better wound epithelization than absorbable sutures (P ˂ .001). Bacterial colonization and tissue reactions due to the surface properties of the suture affected the wound healing after dentoalveolar surgery. Multifilament sutures should not be applied for prolonged periods because of their tendency for microbial colonization. The tissue reaction to the absorbable suture materials may adversely affect wound healing.