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Published on: June 3, 2020
Effect of the wicking behavior of multifilament sutures
T R Grigg1, F R Liewehr, W R Patton
1U.S. Army Dental Corps, Ft. Hood, TX, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to compare the wicking propensity of multifilament sutures. Dexon II, Vicryl, and black silk suture (BSS) were dipped in saline or soaked for 48 h, then suspended on a microscope slide. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D) was placed at the suture mid points, and its movement was observed using fluorescence microscopy. The experiment was repeated, replacing the FITC-D with mixture of S. salivarius and saline, incubating the suture specimens in culture medium, and evaluating microbial growth. Dipped sutures showed FITC-D movement in the Dexon II group only. All 48-h soaked sutures demonstrated FITC-D movement with significant (p < 0.005) differences in mean times: BSS 179 +/- 42 s; Vicryl 120 +/- 26 s; and Dexon II 32 +/- 2 s. Dexon II suture demonstrated wicking of S. salivarius, whereas Vicryl and BSS did not (p < 0.05). These results suggest that BSS and Vicryl sutures do not wick as readily as Dexon II does.
Insights
Dexon II sutures exhibit superior wicking capabilities compared to Vicryl and black silk sutures (BSS). This enhanced fluid and microbial transport in Dexon II has implications for surgical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Sutures
- Microbiology
Background:
- Suture material selection impacts wound healing and infection risk.
- Understanding suture wicking is crucial for preventing microbial contamination and spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the wicking propensity of multifilament sutures: Dexon II, Vicryl, and black silk suture (BSS).
- To evaluate fluid and microbial movement along suture materials.
Main Methods:
- Sutures were soaked in saline or incubated in culture medium.
- Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D) and *S. salivarius* were used to assess wicking.
- Fluorescence microscopy and microbial growth evaluation were employed.
Main Results:
- Dexon II sutures demonstrated significant wicking of FITC-D and *S. salivarius*.
- Black silk suture and Vicryl showed minimal to no wicking.
- Soaked sutures exhibited greater wicking than dipped sutures, with Dexon II being the most prominent.
Conclusions:
- Dexon II sutures possess a higher wicking propensity than Vicryl and black silk sutures.
- This characteristic of Dexon II may influence fluid dynamics and microbial transport in surgical sites.
