[Maxon and PDS--evaluation and physical and biologic properties of monofilament absorbable suture materials]

The physical parameters of monofilament absorbable sutures (Maxon and PDS) were studied. Compared to PDS Maxon proved somewhat more unwieldy, however, it required less complicated knot combinations for a secure placement than PDS did. In vivo experiments on rats showed a slight tissue reaction and a dissolution time of 120-180 days for Maxon and 180-240 days for PDS. With Maxon, tensile strength was measurable for 42-49 days, while the period for PDS amounted to 65-80 days. New indications for these materials are discussed, two parameters, easy knot formation and atraumatic passage through the tissue, especially favor the use of Maxon for one-row all-layer sutures in the gastrointestinal tract.