Handling properties and thrombogenicity of microsutures

The thrombogenicity and handling properties of 1 polypropylene and 2 polyamide 10-0 microsuture materials were evaluated in a paired comparative study in rats. Using a sequential analysis method with significance limits corresponding to 2 alpha = 0.05 and beta = 0.05, it was found that the handling properties of Supramide (polyamide) sutures were better than those of Prolene (polypropylene), and that the handling properties of Prolene did not differ from those of Nylon (polyamide). Also using a sequential analysis method with significant limits corresponding to 2 alpha = 0.05 and beta = 0.02, it was found that thrombogenicity of Prolene was significantly less than the thrombogenicity of Supramide and Nylon. It is concluded that Prolene is the microsuture of choice among the three materials tested.