Characteristics of poly(L-)lactic acid suture applied to fascial closure in rats

Abstract

A new poly(L-)lactic acid (PLLA) thread was tested by applying it in fascial closures of male Wistar rats. The tissue reactions around the thread and in the fascial union, and the changes on the surface and the mechanical properties of the thread were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12, 28, and 52 weeks following surgery. Histologically, the extension of the general inflammatory reaction and the number of the different cell types did not markedly change during the 52-week follow-up period. The surface of the thread was intact up to 28 weeks when examined with the scanning electron microscope. At 52 weeks no thread was found. The breaking force and the stretching of the incubated PLLA thread was reduced about 20% during the first 2 weeks and it remained constant up to 6 weeks. The in vivo testing of the fascial strips closed with the PLLA thread retained their resistance against the breaking force, nearly comparable to that of the intact control fascial strips. It can be concluded that the PLLA thread is a suitable suture for wounds that require healing time of up to 28 weeks and thus need good support from the suture.

Plasma Surface Modification of Biodegradable Polymers: A Review

“…Due to these excellent properties, PLLA can be considered for load bearing applications, such as orthopaedic fixation devices 10. High strength PLLA fibres can also be employed as surgical sutures while other forms of PLLA (composites, porous membranes, sponges) can be used as scaffolding devices for tissue engineering 28–33. For some of these applications, the slow degradation rate of PLLA presents a major issue; therefore, several co‐polymers of L ‐lactides and glycolides or DL ‐lactides are being extensively investigated 34, 35…”

Comparison of strength properties of poly-L/D-lactide (PLDLA) 96/4 and polyglyconate (Maxon�) sutures:In vitro, in the subcutis, and in the achilles tendon of rabbits

“…28 PLLA sutures have been evaluated in fascial closure in rats and were considered suitable, where support is needed for long periods of up to 28 weeks. 29 PLDLA has good handling and knotting properties. It also retains its tensile strength for a longer time than Maxon.…”

New Bioabsorbable Polylactide Ureteral Stent in the Treatment of Ureteral Lesions: An Experimental Study

“…At those time points, a marked decrease in renal function in renograms was also observed (T1/2 18 There were no statistically significant differences observed in the renal function between SR-PLA 96-stented ureters and unstented controls at any time points (Table 2; Fig. 3).…”