The use of barbed sutures in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract

Despite the multitude of different procedures performed with a host of different wound closure biomaterials, no study or surgeon has yet identified the perfect suture for all situations. In recent years, a new class of suture material-barbed suture-has been introduced into the surgeon's armamentarium. This review focuses on barbed suture to better understand the role of this newer material in obstetrics and gynecology.

Keywords: Barbed suture, bidirectional; Barbed suture, unidirectional; Suture, absorption rate; Suture, material; Suture, tensile strength.

Figures

Figure 1

Quill™ SRS bidirectional barbed suture (Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada). Photo courtesy of Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Figure 2

V-Loc™ Absorbable Wound Closure Device (Covidien, Mansfield, MA). Copyright © 2010 Covidien. All rights reserved. Used with the permission of Covidien.