Medtronic Sofsilk Braided Silk Sutures with Silicone or Wax Coating for Ligation in Sterile Packs

The Medtronic Sofsilk silk suture is available from MedicalEx in the configurations listed below. The braid is natural silk fibroin coated uniformly with silicone or a special wax mixture, which is why generations of surgeons reach for silk when knot handling matters most.

• Natural proteinaceous silk fibroin braid
• Silicone or wax coating for smooth handling
• Black or white strands, sizes 8-0 through 5
• A ligation staple, including pre-cut and reel formats

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Main Description

Sofsilk sutures are nonabsorbable, sterile, nonmutagenic strands composed of natural proteinaceous silk fibers called fibroin. The braided construction is coated uniformly with either silicone or a special wax mixture to improve surface smoothness and knot behavior. Silk is prized for pliability and knot security, which makes the line a standard for ligation, including vessel and duct ligation where a tie must stay put. Medtronic indicates the line for general soft tissue approximation and ligation across sizes 8-0 through 5. Like other silk sutures, the strand gradually loses tensile strength over time and should not be used where permanent retention of strength is required or in patients with known silk sensitivity.

Features and Benefits

• Benchmark handling – Silk's pliability and knot security remain the handling reference other materials are compared against.
• Uniform coating – Silicone or wax coating smooths the braid surface for easier passage and more consistent knot run-down.
• Ligation formats – Pre-cut lengths and reels support high-volume ligation work without wasting needled product.
• Fine to heavy sizes – The 8-0 to 5 span covers ophthalmic-adjacent fine work through heavy ligation in one family.

Product Specifications

Material and Structure

Performance and Use

Packaging and Configurations

Product Line

Distribution

Why Choose This Product

Every operating room keeps silk for ties, and this line covers the full working range from fine 8-0 strands to heavy size 5 ligatures. The uniform coating keeps the classic silk feel while improving consistency from strand to strand.

• Knot confidence – Silk ties seat and hold with fewer surprises, which is why it remains the ligation default decades into the synthetic era.
• Format flexibility – Needled, pre-cut and reel formats let materials managers match the format to the procedure mix.
• Broad size coverage – One family spans the sizes a general surgery service actually uses, simplifying par levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is silk absorbable?

Silk is classified as nonabsorbable, although the natural fiber gradually loses tensile strength over prolonged periods in the body. It should not be chosen where permanent retention of tensile strength is required.

Who should not receive silk sutures?

The line is contraindicated in patients with known sensitivities or allergies to silk. The IFU should be consulted for full warnings before use.

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.