In-vitro gliding resistance of Lapra-Ty clip on polypropylene and glycolide sutures.
OBJECTIVE
The LapraTy clip (LTc) is a useful tool for supplementing knot-tying during reconstructive laparoscopic surgery. However, data regarding its safety and efficacy are scarce. We critically assessed the in-vitro performance of the LTc over different sizes of two suture materials commonly used during reconstructive procedures.


METHODS
The gliding resistance (GR) of one or two LTcs was tested on various sizes of both Polysorb and Prolene sutures. The GR of each suture was then compared with its breaking strength. Forces were measured using a Vernier Force Sensor.


RESULTS
The GR of one LTc was significantly lower than the breaking strength of all Polysorb and Prolene suture sizes with the exception of 7-0 Prolene, with which the suture broke before the LTc slipped off. When two LTcs were placed sequentially, the GR increased significantly compared with a single LTc and was equal to or greater than the breaking strength for Polysorb 3-0 to 5-0 and Prolene 3-0 to 6-0. The percentage of GR over breaking strength was inversely related to suture size and was significantly greater with Prolene than with the Polysorb suture of the same size.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results provide a better understanding of the resistive force an LTc offers before slipping and therefore failing. The results observed with Prolene sutures are encouraging and must be further investigated in an animal study to confirm the safety of the LTc when used during reconstructive procedures.
Orvieto
Marcelo A
MA
Section of Urology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. marceloorvieto@yahoo.com
Lucioni
Alvaro
A
Zorn
Kevin C
KC
Mikhail
Albert A
AA
Brendler
Charles B
CB
Shalhav
Arieh L
AL
D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013718:Tensile Strength
D011126:Polypropylenes; D011098:Polyglactin 910