title: The use of polyglyconate in surgery of congenital heart defects: comparison with polypropylene.
abstract: Absorbable suture material has several theoretical advantages in operations for congenital heart defects performed in infancy. This study compares handling characteristics of absorbable polyglyconate (Maxon) and non-absorbable polypropylene used in a variety of operations for congenital heart defects. There was no difference in mortality and morbidity between the two groups (50 patients each). Satisfactory tensile strength was noted in both groups. Maxon had more suppleness and first throw holding but more tissue drag when compared with polypropylene. Maxon was considered to be a suitable suture material in operations for congenital heart defects when the use of absorbable material is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Cardiothoracic Unit, Hospital for Sick Children, London, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Szufladowicz
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Horvath
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Honek
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stark
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011108:Polymers; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013537:Sutures; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D011126:Polypropylenes; C046409:polyglyconate