IMPROVEMENT OF MECHANICAL PERFORMANCES OF BRAIDED POLYESTER SUTURES

Abstract

Non-absorbable sutures are monofilaments or braided structures generally made of polyamide, polyester or polypropylene. The success of a suture is widely linked to its mechanical performance features, such as tensile strength and dimensional stability. We introduced an additional treatment in the manufacture of non-absorbable braided sutures made of polyester. This treatment is based on heat setting of the textile structure by using textile-industry stabilisstabilisation techniques. Boiling water, saturated vapour and dry heat have been tested to stabilise a braided polyester suture. The three techniques involved longitudinal and transversal shrinkages. Heat setting with saturated vapour, and especially with dry heat, increased the breaking strength of the textile structure.