Cardiovascular sutures as assessed by scanning electron microscopy.

Nine types of commercial sutures were investigated with respect to their suitability in cardiovascular surgery involving anastomosis of arterial prostheses. Polyester, nylon, silk and polypropylene in the form of multifilaments and monofilaments with or without coatings were included. The gross structure of the suture and the needle, the uniformity of the fibres and the coatings, the mechanical properties, before and after surgical use and the quality of the resulting anastomoses in canine models were evaluated. Although all surveyed products were potentially usable for the purpose intended, some appeared more suitable. Intraoperative damage to the sutures was found to be extensive and may play an important part in the long-term security of the anastomoses.