Approximately 43 million surgeries were performed in the United States in 2023. Regardless of the type of surgery, the use of sutures is essential for wound closure and healing. However, for certain patients, especially those with specific allergies, the choice of suture materials can pose potential health risks.
Alpha-gal Syndrome and Surgery
Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is a serious allergic reaction to products containing alpha-gal sugar (galactose-α-1,3-galactose), found in mammalian meats like pork, beef, and lamb. Symptoms of AGS often appear hours after consuming these products, complicating diagnosis and management. In a survey of 559 patients, approximately 28% of AGS patients have reacted to mammalian-derived ingredients in surgical and dental supplies, highlighting the importance of selecting medical products carefully. For these individuals, it's crucial to be cautious not only with dietary choices but also with medical products, including sutures.
What are sutures?
Sutures are medical devices used to close wounds or surgical incisions, promoting healing and preventing infection. They are categorized into two types: absorbable sutures, which break down and are absorbed by the body over time, and non-absorbable sutures, which remain in the body and may need removal. When selecting the appropriate suture, it's important to consider factors such as the type of surgery, patient allergies, and healing time.
Suture Types and Animal-Derived Ingredients
Below is a table outlining common sutures and their potential animal-derived ingredients:
Suture Type | Common Use | Potential Animal-derived Ingredients |
Catgut | Absorbable sutures | Made from sheep or cow intestines (collagen) |
Silk | Non-absorbable sutures | Derived from silkworms (natural protein) |
Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) | Absorbable sutures | May contain animal-derived components in coatings |
Surgical Gut | Absorbable sutures | Made from sheep or cow intestines (collagen) |
Nylon | Non-absorbable sutures | Generally synthetic, but some may have animal-derived coatings |
Polyester (e.g., Dacron) | Non-absorbable sutures | Generally synthetic, but some products may be coated with animal-derived substances |
Prolene (Polypropylene) | Non-absorbable sutures | Generally synthetic, no animal-derived ingredients |
Glycolide/Lactide (e.g., Monocryl) | Absorbable sutures | Generally synthetic, no animal-derived ingredients |
Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) | Absorbable sutures | Generally synthetic, no animal-derived ingredients |
Comparing Ethicon and Medtronic: Key Players in Surgical Sutures
Selecting surgical sutures requires understanding the options from leading manufacturers. Two prominent players are Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, and Medtronic, known for its Covidien brand. While both offer a wide range of products, they differ in areas such as product range, sustainability, and animal-free suture options. The table below provides a comparison to help healthcare professionals make informed choices:
Aspect | Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) | Medtronic (Covidien) |
Product Range | Offers a broad range of sutures under brands like Vicryl, Ethilon, and Monocryl, including both absorbable and non-absorbable options in various sizes and configurations. | Produces a diverse selection of sutures under the Polysorb brand, focusing on synthetic absorbable sutures like polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA), as well as non-absorbable options like Surgipro II. |
Reputation | Highly regarded among surgeons and healthcare professionals for consistent performance, durability, and safety of their sutures; trusted brand in surgical settings. | Known for reliability and quality in the medical device industry, trusted by healthcare professionals for effective surgical solutions and innovative products. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Actively engages in sustainability efforts, focusing on reducing environmental impact through responsible sourcing and manufacturing processes. | Committed to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving efficiency, and promoting responsible manufacturing practices across its product lines. |
Animal-Free Sutures/ Devices* |
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*Information is subject to change. Please contact VeganMed, Inc. for the most updated information.
Conclusion
Choosing the right surgical sutures is essential for patient safety and successful outcomes, particularly for individuals with allergies to animal-derived materials. Ethicon and Medtronic lead the suture market, each bringing valuable strengths in product variety, research, and sustainability.
As healthcare continues to evolve, surgical centers and institutions are increasingly focused on enhancing patient safety and providing diverse, effective options. Collaborating with centralized sources like VeganMed can support these efforts by promoting access to animal-free solutions and fostering transparency in product offerings. By staying informed and exploring innovative resources, healthcare providers can ensure they meet the needs of all patients while maintaining the highest standards of care.
If you're interested in how a partnership with VeganMed can benefit your institution, please contact us today to learn more.
Co-authored by: Mersedeh Kolyaei and Ngan (Anna) Nguyen
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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