Description
The Medtronic V-Loc wound closure device is available from MedicalEx in the configurations listed below. Dual-angle cut barbs arranged in a 360 degree helix anchor into tissue and distribute tension along the strand, so closures are secured without tying a single knot.
- Knotless barbed strand with a loop anchor
- V-Loc 90, V-Loc 180 and nonabsorbable PBT versions
- Even tension distribution along the wound
- Reload strands for the Endo Stitch device are listed in that product
Browse the full Suture and Needles range, or shop everything from Medtronic.
Main Description
The V-Loc device is a barbed strand whose unidirectional barbs are cut at a dual angle and arranged circumferentially in a 360 degree helix. As the strand is drawn through tissue, the barbs lock in and hold the wound edges under even tension, replacing knot tying with continuous anchoring along the closure. The V-Loc 90 version is made from glycolide, dioxanone and trimethylene carbonate, keeps tensile support for about 14 days and absorbs in 90 to 110 days. The V-Loc 180 version is a copolymer of glycolic acid and trimethylene carbonate, retains about 80 percent strength at 7 days, 75 percent at 14 days and 65 percent at 21 days, and absorbs in about 180 days. The PBT version is a nonabsorbable polybutester strand in blue for permanent approximation, and the absorbable versions are indicated for soft tissue approximation where an absorbable suture is appropriate.
Features and Benefits
- No knots to tie – The loop anchor starts the closure and the barbs hold it, removing knot tying and knot-related variability from the technique.
- Even tension – Barbs distribute tension along the entire strand instead of concentrating it at knots, which may support better cosmesis.
- Dual-angle barbs – A deep short first cut followed by a long shallow second cut is designed to anchor firmly while preserving strand integrity.
- Three absorption profiles – Ninety day, 180 day and permanent versions let the surgeon match the device to the tissue's healing timeline.
Product Specifications
Material and Structure
| Structure | Unidirectional barbed strand with loop anchor, barbs in a 360 degree helix |
| V-Loc 90 Composition | Glycolide, dioxanone and trimethylene carbonate |
| V-Loc 180 Composition | Copolymer of glycolic acid and trimethylene carbonate |
| V-Loc PBT Composition | Polybutester (nonabsorbable) |
| Colors | Undyed or violet (90), undyed or green (180), blue (PBT) |
Performance and Use
| Tensile Support | About 14 days (90), about 21 days (180), permanent (PBT) |
| Absorption Profile | 90 to 110 days (90), about 180 days (180), nonabsorbable (PBT) |
| Indications | Soft tissue approximation. Absorbable versions where use of an absorbable suture is appropriate |
Packaging and Configurations
| Sterility | Sterile, single use |
| Box Quantities | 1 dozen per box on listed configurations |
Product Line
| Brand | Medtronic |
| Product Family | V-Loc wound closure device |
Distribution
| Availability | Continental US |
| Package Quantity | bx (per configuration as listed) |
Why Choose This Product
Knotless closure changes the economics of a case: no knot stacks, no tail management, and tension that stays where the surgeon leaves it. The three material profiles mean the same barbed technique covers short, standard and permanent support needs.
- Speed with control – Eliminating knot tying can shorten closure time while the barbs keep continuous control of the wound edges.
- Consistent tension – Load is shared by hundreds of barbs rather than a few knots, a genuine mechanical difference from conventional strands.
- Profile choice – The 90, 180 and PBT options let one technique serve gynecologic, general and permanent closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the strand stay in place without knots?
Each barb is cut to flex as the strand passes through tissue and then anchor against withdrawal, and the starting loop locks the first pass. Together they hold the closure under distributed tension without any tied knot.
Which version should be stocked for general soft tissue work?
The 180 version is the general-purpose absorbable choice with about three weeks of support and 180 day absorption. The 90 version suits faster-healing tissue, and the PBT version is for permanent approximation.
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.
