Material properties of ophthalmic sutures after sterilization and disinfection.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects that sterilization and disinfection have on the tensile properties of commonly used ophthalmic sutures.


METHODS
University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.


METHODS
The sutures 10-0 nylon, 10-0 polypropylene (Prolene), 8-0 virgin silk, and 8-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) were subjected to thermal or chemical sterilization/disinfection including autoclaving, boiling, and immersion in alcohol or glutaraldehyde. Measurements of tensile strength, suture extension to the point of failure, and suture stiffness were then performed.


RESULTS
Nylon and Prolene were little affected by all sterilization and disinfection methods. Virgin silk and Vicryl were weakened by thermal methods of sterilization and disinfection. Both Vicryl, and to a lesser extent virgin silk, appeared to be strengthened by immersion in alcohol or glutaraldehyde.


CONCLUSIONS
The casual reuse of ophthalmic sutures is not recommended. However, when there is no alternative, nylon and Prolene monofilaments can be autoclaved or immersed in fresh activated glutaraldehyde, and Vicryl and virgin silk can be immersed in fresh activated glutaraldehyde without significant loss of tensile strength.
Shuttleworth
G N
GN
Bristol Eye Hospital, United Kingdom.
Vaughn
L F
LF
Hoh
H B
HB
D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004548:Elasticity; D019476:Insect Proteins; D009757:Nylons; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D011126:Polypropylenes; D047011:Silk; D013242:Sterilization; D013537:Sutures / Q000592:standards; D013718:Tensile Strength
D019476:Insect Proteins; D009757:Nylons; D011126:Polypropylenes; D047011:Silk; D011098:Polyglactin 910