What is sutures produce from?
Sutures are typically produced from a variety of materials, including natural and synthetic substances. Common materials used for sutures include:
1. Natural materials: Sutures made from natural materials are derived from organic sources. These may include:
- Silk: Silkworm cocoons are used to obtain silk sutures, which are fine and flexible.
- Catgut: Derived from the serosal layer of the intestines of sheep or cattle, catgut sutures were traditionally used, but they are now less common due to the risk of infection.
2. Synthetic materials: Sutures made from synthetic materials are commonly used in modern medicine due to their availability, sterility, and reliability. Synthetic materials used for sutures may include:
- Polyglycolic acid (PGA): PGA sutures are absorbable and are commonly used for internal wound closures.
- Polypropylene: Known for providing strength and resistance to degradation, polypropylene sutures are used for both internal and external closures.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): PET sutures are non-absorbable and used for long-term tissue support, such as in cardiovascular procedures.
- Poliglecaprone: Poliglecaprone sutures offer the advantages of both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures and are primarily used in general surgery.
These are just a few examples, and the choice of suture material can vary based on factors such as the type of surgery, location of the wound, and surgeon's preference.