Description
ETHILON™ Nylon Suture, crafted by Ethicon, a part of Johnson & Johnson, is a non-absorbable, sterile monofilament suture designed for versatile surgical applications. Composed of synthetic polyamide polymers, specifically Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6, this suture is engineered for general soft tissue approximation and ligation across various medical fields, including cardiovascular, ophthalmic, neurological, plastic, and dermatological procedures.
Material and Construction
- Monofilament Design: The single-strand construction of ETHILON™ ensures a smooth surface, minimizing tissue trauma and drag during suturing.
- Non-Absorbable: Provides long-term wound support, with a gradual tensile strength reduction of approximately 10–15% per year without bodily absorption.
Visibility and Size Options
- Color Variants: Available in dyed options such as Black and Green for enhanced visibility, as well as an undyed Clear variant.
- Suture Sizes: Ranges from USP 2 to 11/0, accommodating various surgical needs.
- Lengths: Typically available from 10 cm to 240 cm, with common lengths including 45 cm, 150 cm, 200 cm, and 240 cm.
Needle Configurations
ETHILON™ offers a wide variety of needle types and sizes, including:
- Shapes: 1/2 circle and 3/8 circle reverse cutting, conventional cutting, taper point, and various spatula designs.
- Lengths: Needle lengths range from 3.5 mm to 90 mm, providing flexibility for specific surgical requirements.
Packaging
- Sterile and Single-Use: Packaged for single-use, available with or without needles, commonly supplied in boxes of 12 units.
Clinical Applications
Ideal for:
- Skin closure
- Retention sutures
- Plastic and ophthalmic surgeries
- Cardiovascular and neurological surgeries
- Microsurgery and hernia repair
Performance Benefits
- Minimal Tissue Reactivity: Low inflammatory response, making it suitable for sensitive surgical environments.
- High Tensile Strength: Ensures reliable wound support over extended periods.
- Ease of Removal: Suitable for scenarios requiring non-absorbable sutures, typically removed after 4–14 days depending on clinical needs.
Handling Instructions
- Knot Security: Requires careful knotting due to the higher memory characteristic of monofilament nylon.
- Reuse and Sterilization: Not intended for reuse or resterilization; adherence to Instructions for Use (IFU) is recommended for optimal handling.
Storage Recommendations
Potential specific storage requirements such as cold storage or humidity conditions should be observed as per packaging and IFU guidelines, ensuring the suture maintains its integrity until use.