title: A new quantitative measurement for surgical needle ductility.
abstract: Because surgical needle ductility is such an important factor in the selection of surgical needles, a new curved needle ductility test instrument was devised to measure the ductility of needles from three commercial manufacturers. The superior ductility of needles made by one manufacturer was related to the specific alloy, stainless steel ASTM 45500, used in their production. The ASTM 45500 stainless steel has a significantly greater tensile and yield strength than the other stainless steel alloys, accounting for its superior ductility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Abidin
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Towler
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Nochimson
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Rodeheaver
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Thacker
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Edlich
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles / Q000592:standards*; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013523:Surgical Equipment / Q000592:standards*; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D013193:Stainless Steel