Ethilon

Ethilon is a type of suture material used in various surgical procedures. It is a non-absorbable, sterile, surgical monofilament suture composed of the long-chain aliphatic polymers Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6. Ethilon is known for its high tensile strength, smooth passage through tissue, and excellent knot security.

History

Ethilon was first introduced by Ethicon Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, in the 1960s. It quickly gained popularity due to its superior handling characteristics and has since become a staple in many surgical specialties.

Characteristics

Ethilon sutures are black or clear in color and are available in a variety of sizes, from 10-0 to 1. The sutures are packaged in a sterile, ready-to-use form. Ethilon is known for its high tensile strength, which allows it to maintain its integrity during the critical healing period. It also has excellent knot security, ensuring that the sutures stay in place after the procedure.

Uses

Ethilon is used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including general surgery, ophthalmic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery. It is particularly useful in procedures that require fine suturing, such as microsurgery and ophthalmic surgery.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantages of Ethilon include its high tensile strength, smooth passage through tissue, and excellent knot security. However, like all non-absorbable sutures, Ethilon must be removed after the wound has healed, which can be uncomfortable for the patient. Additionally, because it is a monofilament suture, Ethilon has a higher risk of infection compared to braided sutures.

See Also

• Suture (medicine)
• Surgical suture
• List of suture materials