A synthetic non-absorbable monofilament that passes smoothly through tissue and provides permanent wound support with minimal tissue reaction. Dyed blue for clear identification in the field.
Wound closure
Non-absorbable sutures
Non-absorbable sutures are not broken down by the body. They give lasting support, which suits tissue that heals slowly or a repair that must be reinforced permanently.
The background
What non-absorbable sutures are
A non-absorbable suture is not absorbed by the body and stays where it is placed, providing durable support.
It may be left permanently — in cardiovascular or orthopaedic repair, for example — or removed once healing is complete when it has been used to close skin.
The range includes monofilaments, which pass smoothly through tissue and give organisms little to hold on to, and braids, which offer supple handling and knot security.
Choosing a material
Non-absorbable materials differ in handling, strength and structure rather than in how long they last.
Polypropylene and PTFE monofilaments are widely used in cardiovascular and plastic surgery; polyester and UHMWPE braids give the tensile strength demanding repairs need; nylon suits general and skin closure; silk offers traditional handling for ligation; and stainless steel is used where maximum strength is called for, such as sternal closure.
Range and sizes
The range spans fine to heavy U.S.P. sizes with a choice of needle configurations. Selection of material, size and needle rests with the operating surgeon.
The range
The non-absorbable suture range
Permanent monofilament and braided sutures for closures that need lasting tensile strength.
A monofilament polyamide suture engineered for smooth tissue passage, reliable knot security and minimal drag — the everyday choice for skin and subcuticular closure.
A braided, silicone-coated non-absorbable suture of polyethylene terephthalate, for soft tissue approximation and ligation in cardiovascular, orthopaedic, ophthalmic and general surgery.
A monofilament of polytetrafluoroethylene — soft, smooth and biologically inert — designed for secure soft tissue approximation and ligation across specialty procedures.
A braided, silicone-coated non-absorbable suture of natural silk, dyed black for visibility, with the supple handling and secure knots that keep it in use for ligation across many specialties.
A braided ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene suture, undyed with a blue tracer, engineered for very high tensile strength and durable handling in orthopaedic and heavy-tissue closure.
A sterile non-absorbable stainless steel suture for durable soft-tissue approximation and fixation — used in sternal closure, hernia repair and selected orthopaedic procedures.
Compare
The range by material and structure
Refer to each product for U.S.P. sizes, needle options and reference codes.
| Suture | Material | Structure | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRB Propylen | Polypropylene | Monofilament | Cardiovascular, plastic surgery |
| SRB Ptfene | PTFE | Monofilament | Cardiovascular surgery |
| SRB Amidex | Polyamide (nylon) | Monofilament | General and skin closure |
| SRB Esterin | Polyester | Braided | Cardiovascular, high-strength repair |
| SRB Fibralon | UHMWPE | Braided | Orthopaedic, high-strength repair |
| SRB Silkora | Silk | Braided | Ligation and general use |
| SRB Steelfix | Stainless steel | Mono / multifilament | Sternal and orthopaedic closure |
Applications
Where non-absorbable sutures are used
Repairs that must hold long after the patient has gone home — and skin closures where the strand comes out at the follow-up visit.
- Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
- Orthopaedic and high-tension repair
- General surgery and skin closure
- Ligation and vessel occlusion
Questions
Frequently asked
What does non-absorbable mean?
The body does not break the material down. The suture either stays in place permanently or is removed once the wound has healed.
Which non-absorbable suture is used in cardiovascular surgery?
Polypropylene and PTFE monofilaments are the usual choices, with braided polyester where higher tensile strength is wanted.
Are monofilament and braided options available?
Yes. Polypropylene, nylon and PTFE are monofilaments; polyester, silk and UHMWPE are braided; stainless steel is available in both constructions.
Do non-absorbable sutures need to be removed?
Only when they have been used where removal is intended, typically skin closure. Deep or permanent repairs are left in place.
For healthcare professionals. Selection of suture material, size, needle and technique rests
with the operating surgeon. Refer to the instructions for use supplied with each product.
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