Description
The Medtronic Velosorb Fast braided absorbable suture is available from MedicalEx in the configurations listed below. This glycolide and lactide braid supports the wound for only 7 to 10 days and absorbs in 40 to 50 days, the fast profile preferred for skin, mucosa and episiotomy repair.
- Fast absorbing braided synthetic polyester
- Wound support for 7 to 10 days only
- Absorption complete in 40 to 50 days
- Indicated for skin and mucosa, including episiotomy repair
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Main Description
Velosorb Fast sutures are composed of an absorbable synthetic polyester made of 90 percent glycolide and 10 percent lactide. The braided strand is coated with a glycolide and lactide copolymer and calcium stearate, giving pliable handling and easy knot tying with minimal tissue drag. Wound support lasts 7 to 10 days, and all original tensile strength is gone within 14 days, the shortest support profile in the Medtronic absorbable range. Absorption completes in 40 to 50 days, clearing the strand soon after its brief support role ends. Medtronic indicates the line for soft tissue approximation of skin and mucosa where only 7 to 10 days of support is required, including episiotomy repair. It is not indicated for ligation, ophthalmic, cardiovascular or neurological procedures.
Features and Benefits
- Fastest profile – Seven to ten days of support with 40 to 50 day absorption is built for tissue that heals quickly.
- Patient comfort focus – The episiotomy indication reflects a design aimed at comfort in perineal repair, where lingering strands cause complaints.
- Pliable braid – The coated braid handles softly and ties easily in superficial closures.
- Minimal drag – The coating keeps passage smooth through skin and mucosa.
Product Specifications
Material and Structure
| Composition | 90% glycolide and 10% lactide polyester |
| Structure | Braided |
| Coating | Glycolide/lactide copolymer with calcium stearate |
| Colors | Violet, undyed |
Performance and Use
| Tensile Strength | Wound support 7 to 10 days. All strength lost within 14 days |
| Absorption Profile | 40 to 50 days |
| USP Sizes | 6-0 through 1 |
| Indications | Skin and mucosa approximation requiring 7 to 10 days of support, including episiotomy repair |
Packaging and Configurations
| Sterility | Sterile, single use |
| Box Quantities | 1 or 3 dozen |
Product Line
| Brand | Medtronic |
| Product Family | Velosorb Fast braided absorbable suture |
Distribution
| Availability | Continental US |
| Package Quantity | cs (per configuration as listed) |
Why Choose This Product
Fast-healing surfaces do not need weeks of buried strand. This line supports for days and is gone in under two months. Labor and delivery and oral surgery services keep it because its timeline matches their tissue.
- Shortest support window – The 7 to 10 day profile is the differentiator. Longer absorbables outstay their welcome in skin and mucosa.
- Comfort oriented – Quick clearance of the strand addresses the dyspareunia and irritation complaints tied to lingering perineal sutures.
- Easy handling – A pliable coated braid ties like a familiar gut alternative with synthetic consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the standard braided absorbable?
This fast version is formulated and processed for a much shorter life: support ends within two weeks and absorption completes in 40 to 50 days. The standard braided absorbable supports for about three weeks and absorbs over roughly two months.
Can it be used for ligation?
No. Medtronic specifically excludes ligation, ophthalmic, cardiovascular and neurological procedures from this line's indications. It is a skin and mucosa approximation strand.
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.
