Tensile characteristics of PTFE sutures.
The tensile strength load to failure and knotting characteristics of the six gauges of a new PTFE suture have been studied. In its unstressed state, the suture comprises 50% by volume of air but this diminishes upon stretching so that its diameter appears to be very large and the tensile strength low. The low surface-surface friction necessitates fairly complex knotting regimens (3 = 1 = 3 = 2 or 3 = 1 = 3 = 3) to ensure stable knot configurations, i.e. failure of the loop before knot failure. However, the relatively simple 2 = 1 = 1 = 1 configuration was found to have an adequate tensile strength.
Hertweck
S P
SP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY 40292.
von Fraunhofer
J A
JA
Masterson
B J
BJ
D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D013537:Sutures; D013718:Tensile Strength
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene