Locking mechanism strength of absorbable ligating devices.

The locking mechanism strengths of the absorbable Absolok and Lactomer ligating clips and the absorbable Lactomer staple have been determined following implantation in an animal model. Three sizes of each type of clip and the single size of staple were enclosed in open mesh nylon pouches and implanted subcutaneously in rabbits for periods of 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days before tensile testing of the lock mechanisms. No change in the lock mechanism strength was detected for the Absolok clips before 21 days. The Lactomer clips and staples, however, showed significant decrease in lock mechanism strength within 7 days of implantation, this loss increasing with longer implantation times. A proportion of all the devices were found to have dissolved to an extent that precluded testing at 21 and 28 days. The findings indicate that the lock mechanisms of absorbable ligating clips differ significantly in their short-term (30 days) durability.