Fluid absorption and capillarity of suture materials.

The fluid absorption and capillarity of different suture materials commonly used were investigated in saline and blood plasma. Linen and silk have high fluid absorption in plasma (92.2 +/- 1.3%, 65.2 +/- 0.7% of dry weight), and polyamide twisted with cover together with polyester considerably lower absorption (27.0 +/- 0.8%, 16.0 +/- 0.3%). Monofilament polyamide has fluid absorption ability in spite of its homogeneous structure (10.1 +/- 0.2%). Capillary properties were demonstrated in all multifilament synthetic and natural materials but were effectively eliminated by waxing treatment. The fluid transport rate constant varied considerably between different materials and was highest for polyamide with cover. Fluid absorption and capillary properties are presumed to be of significance for the impact of contaminating bacteria.