Description
The Medtronic Caprosyn monofilament absorbable suture is available from MedicalEx in the configurations listed below. The Polyglytone 6211 strand is built to hold tight through the critical first ten days of healing and then absorb completely within about 56 days.
- Short-term absorbable monofilament
- Polyglytone 6211 copolymer strand
- 50 to 60 percent strength at five days, gone by 21 days
- Full absorption in approximately 56 days
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Main Description
Caprosyn sutures are made from Polyglytone 6211, a copolymer of glycolide, caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate and lactide. The monofilament construction gives smooth passage through tissue with minimized drag, supporting clean approximation and ligation. Medtronic rates tensile strength at 50 to 60 percent after five days and 20 to 30 percent after ten days, with all strength lost by about 21 days. Absorption is complete within approximately 56 days, one of the faster profiles among synthetic absorbables, which can minimize suture spitting or extrusion in superficial closures. The line is indicated for general soft tissue approximation and ligation in sizes 6-0 through 1, but not for cardiovascular or neurological surgery, microsurgery or ophthalmic surgery.
Features and Benefits
- Fast, complete absorption – Full absorption in about 56 days clears the strand quickly once its short support job is done.
- Critical window strength – Retention through the first ten days covers the period when wound support matters most for the indicated uses.
- Smooth monofilament – The single strand glides through tissue and presents no braid interstices to harbor contaminants.
- Secure handling – The polymer is formulated for excellent handling and knot security despite the short absorption profile.
Product Specifications
Material and Structure
| Composition | Polyglytone 6211 (glycolide, caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, lactide) |
| Structure | Monofilament |
| Coating | Uncoated |
| Colors | Violet, undyed |
Performance and Use
| Tensile Strength Retention | 50 to 60% at 5 days, 20 to 30% at 10 days, lost by 21 days |
| Absorption Profile | Approximately 56 days |
| USP Sizes | 6-0 through 1 |
| Indications | General soft tissue approximation and ligation (not cardiovascular, neurological, microsurgery or ophthalmic) |
Packaging and Configurations
| Sterility | Sterile, single use |
| Box Quantities | 1, 2 or 3 dozen |
Product Line
| Brand | Medtronic |
| Product Family | Caprosyn monofilament absorbable suture |
Distribution
| Availability | Continental US |
| Package Quantity | bx (per configuration as listed) |
Why Choose This Product
Some closures need a strand that supports for days, not weeks, and then disappears promptly. This line is engineered for exactly that brief. Its 56 day total absorption is among the fastest of the synthetic monofilaments, which suits subcuticular and mucosal work.
- Brief by design – The ten day strength window and 56 day absorption are the differentiators. Longer-profile strands simply stay around longer than these tissues need.
- Fewer extrusions – Rapid, complete absorption can minimize spitting or extrusion in superficial closures, a patient-comfort plus.
- Monofilament glide – Smooth passage helps fine closures seat without sawing at delicate tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does this suture lose strength?
It keeps roughly half its strength at five days, about a quarter at ten days, and has no remaining tensile strength by about three weeks. The strand itself absorbs fully in about 56 days.
Where should this line not be used?
Medtronic does not indicate it for cardiovascular or neurological surgery, microsurgery or ophthalmic surgery, and absorbable strands should not be used where extended approximation is required. Within its indicated uses, the fast strength loss is a benefit rather than a drawback.
How should sutures be stored?
Store sutures in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light. Use stock in expiry order and do not use any suture whose package is opened or damaged, since sterility cannot be assured.
What do the suture size numbers mean?
USP suture sizes run from fine to heavy: more zeros mean a finer strand, so 7-0 is finer than 5-0, which is finer than 3-0. Sizes then rise through 0, 1, 2 and heavier for large tissue work. The variant label states the exact size of each configuration.
Can a suture be resterilized or reused?
No. These are sterile single use devices, and an opened or expired suture must be discarded. Resterilization is not permitted and compromises both sterility and material performance.
