polyglactine

Polyglatine, also known as polyglactin, is a synthetic absorbable suture material used in surgical closures. It is a copolymer of glycolide and L-lactide, typically composed around 90% glycolide and 10% lactide, and is commonly sold as polyglactin 910 (brand names include Vicryl). The material is produced by ring-opening polymerization and is supplied as braided multifilament sutures, often available in coated and uncoated forms.

Polyglactin 910 sutures are designed to be absorbed by hydrolysis in the body's tissues. They generally maintain a significant portion of their tensile strength for about one to two weeks, after which strength gradually declines. Complete absorption occurs over a period of several weeks to a few months, typically within 56 to 70 days, depending on the product and patient factors. The polymer tends to provoke only a modest tissue reaction compared with some nonabsorbable or older absorbable materials.

Clinical use and handling characteristics: polyglactin 910 sutures provide good knot security and handling, with braided construction that offers pliability and relatively easy tying. They are widely used for soft tissue approximation and ligation in general, abdominal, obstetric, and gynecologic surgery. Braided sutures can wick bacteria more readily than monofilament types, so they are used in clean or mildly contaminated wounds with appropriate technique. Coatings (such as for reduced tissue drag) and specialty variants (for example, coated or antimicrobial versions) are available from various manufacturers.