Absorbable sutures are defined in vivo by two main characteristics:

1. Tensile Strength Retention: This indicates how long the suture can provide support to the wound.
2. Absorption Rate (Loss of Mass): This reveals how quickly the suture is absorbed by the body.

POLYDIOXANONE synthetic absorbable suture is designed to offer consistent tensile strength retention and absorption rate, ensuring wound support throughout an extended healing period. Notably, the suture shows little absorption until around the 90th day post-implantation, with complete absorption occurring between 180-220 days.

DemeTech's Polydioxanone Suture Details:

• It's an absorbable, sterile, surgical suture made from the polyester, poly(pdioxanone).
• This suture is nonantigenic, causing only minimal tissue reactivity during absorption.
• Clinical trials indicate:
  • After 2 weeks: Retains 75-80% of its initial strength.
  • After 4 weeks: Retains 65-70% of its initial strength.
  • After 6 weeks: Retains 55-60% of its initial strength.
  • Complete absorption takes place between 180-220 days.

Additional Key Points:

1. DemeTech's Polydioxanone sutures are available in both violet and colorless variants.
2. They are ideal for internal tissues where a durable, absorbable suture is desired.
3. Being synthetic, Polydioxanone causes less reactivity compared to natural absorbable sutures. Yet, its extended absorption time can lead to some tissue reactivity.
4. The suture's safety and effectiveness are not established for neural tissue, adult cardiovascular tissue, or microsurgery.
5. In specific situations, like orthopedic procedures, external support immobilization might be necessary.
6. Do not re-sterilize the suture.

Precautions:

1. Knots must be securely and properly placed.
2. Ensure knot security by using the standard surgical technique of flat, square ties. Depending on the surgical situation and the surgeon's experience, additional throws might be necessary.
3. Handle the suture with care to prevent damage.
4. Avoid crushing or crimping the suture with surgical instruments. However, the free end of the suture can be grasped during an instrument tie.
5. Sutures left in conjunctiva and vaginal mucosa for extended periods may cause localized irritation. Removal is advised when deemed necessary.
6. For sub-cuticular sutures, deep placement is recommended to reduce the erythema and induration typically linked with absorption.
7. Follow standard surgical guidelines regarding the drainage and closure of infected wounds.

Adverse Reactions:

The extended absorption duration of the suture has led to observed irritations and bleeding in the conjunctiva. Additionally, mild irritation has been noted in the vaginal mucosa.

General Note on Polydioxanone (PX) Sutures:

PX sutures are valuable in scenarios where an absorbable suture with extended wound support (lasting up to six weeks) is beneficial.