Coated non-absorbable surgical sutures

Abstract

Abstract A surgical suture is coated with an organo-silicon polymer and comprises filaments braided with sufficient picks per inch to be surgically handlable when uncoated. A braided silk suture, which may have a silk core, is drystretched by 6-11% of its length and is immersed in a solution of an organo-silicon polymer in xylene toluene, benzene or gasoline the solids concentration of the solution being 5-30%. Beeswax, ethyl cellulose, polyethylene or, when silicone rubber is used, a catalyst such as benzoyl peroxide, may be included in the solution. The coated suture is then cured by heating e.g. at 150 DEG C. for 30 seconds. Preferably, the suture is immersed and cured several times. The total weight of the finished coat is 10-20% by weight of the fibres used. Pigments or dyes may be included in the coating solution. Coating materials used may be organo-silicon polymer rubbers, dimethyl silicone polymers or alkyl polysiloxanes. The filaments may alternatively be cotton, linen, stainless steel or horsehair. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 876,208.

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