14 best suture sizes

Suture sizes refer to the classification and categorization of surgical sutures based on their thickness or diameter. The size of a suture is an important consideration in surgery, as it determines the suture's strength and its intended use. Here's an overview of suture sizes:

  1. Suture Size Classification:

    • Sutures are classified using a numbering system, with larger numbers indicating thinner sutures and smaller numbers representing thicker sutures.
    • The sizing system can vary slightly depending on the region and manufacturer, but it generally follows a standardized range.

  2. Suture Size Ranges:

    • Sutures are available in a wide range of sizes, typically falling within the following categories:
      • Fine sutures: These are very thin sutures, often used for delicate or precise work, such as ophthalmic surgery.They typically range from sizes 11-0 to 7-0.
      • Regular sutures: These are commonly used for a variety of surgical procedures, including skin closure. They typically range from sizes 6-0 to 2-0.
      • Heavy sutures: These are thicker sutures designed for applications requiring increased strength, such as suturing deep tissues or ligaments. They typically range from sizes 1-0 to 6.

  3. Common Uses by Size:

    • Smaller, finer sutures are often used for delicate tissues, such as the eye, nerves, or blood vessels.
    • Medium-sized sutures are commonly employed for general wound closure, both externally and internally.
    • Larger, heavier sutures are suitable for tougher tissues or situations where stronger closure is necessary, such as in orthopedic surgery.

  4. Material Variations:

    • Sutures can be made from various materials, including natural materials like silk and catgut, as well as synthetic materials like nylon, polypropylene, and absorbable materials like Vicryl.
    • The material used can influence the suture's handling characteristics, absorption rate (if absorbable), and overall performance.

  5. Suture Needle Compatibility:

    • The choice of suture size is often closely related to the type and size of the surgical needle being used. The needle and suture must be compatible to ensure effective suturing.

  6. Medical Specialties:

    • Different medical specialties may have preferences for specific suture sizes based on the nature of the procedures they perform. For example, cardiovascular surgeons may require finer sutures for intricate work, while orthopedic surgeons may use heavier sutures for tendon repair.

  7. Tensile Strength:

    • The thickness of the suture also affects its tensile strength. Thicker sutures are generally stronger and can withstand greater tension without breaking.

In summary, suture sizes are an essential aspect of surgical supplies, with each size serving a specific purpose based on the surgical procedure and the type of tissue being sutured. Surgeons carefully select the appropriate suture size to ensure proper wound closure and healing.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best suture sizes on the market
  

Surgical Suture for Beginners: A complete step-by-step guide for doctors, nurses, paramedics on surgical knots and suturing techniques used in the emergency room and surgery

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Ethicon Coated VICRYL (polyglactin 910) Suture, J494G, Synthetic Absorbable, P-3 (13 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 4-0, 18" (45 cm),Undyed

Ethicon

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Product description

VICRYL Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological tissues. In vivo studies demonstrate that VICRYL Suture retains approximately 75% of the original tensile strength at 2 weeks post implantation. At 3 weeks, approximately 50% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger and approximately 40% of its original strength is retained for sizes 7-0 and smaller. At four weeks, approximately 25% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers VICRYL Suture, a synthetic absorbable sterile suture composed of a copolymer made from 90% glycolide and 10%-L-lactide
  • Predictable breaking strength retention (BSR) profile to provide support for up to 4 weeks while tissues heal
  • Synthetic absorbable, size 4-0, undyed braided, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, P-3 (13 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon Coated VICRYL (polyglactin 910) Suture, J497G, Synthetic Absorbable, PS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 3-0, 18" (45 cm)

Ethicon

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Product description

VICRYL Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological tissues. In vivo studies demonstrate that VICRYL Suture retains approximately 75% of the original tensile strength at 2 weeks post implantation. At 3 weeks, approximately 50% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger and approximately 40% of its original strength is retained for sizes 7-0 and smaller. At four weeks, approximately 25% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers VICRYL Suture, a synthetic absorbable sterile suture composed of a copolymer made from 90% glycolide and 10%-L-lactide
  • Predictable breaking strength retention (BSR) profile to provide support for up to 4 weeks while tissues heal
  • Synthetic absorbable, size 3-0, undyed braided, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, PS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

How to Build the Ultimate Every Day Carry Kit (Survive and Thrive Booklets Book 3)

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Ethicon Coated VICRYL Plus Antibacterial (polyglactin 910), Suture, VCP259H, Synthetic Absorbable , CT-1 (36 mm), 1/2 Circle Needle, Size 2-0, 27" (70 cm),Undyed

Ethicon

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Product description

VICRYL Plus Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/ or ligation, except for ophthalmic, cardiovascular, and neurological tissues. In vivo studies demonstrate that VICRYL Plus Suture retains approximately 75% of the original tensile strength at 2 weeks post implantation. At 3 weeks, approximately 50% of the original strength is retained At four weeks, approximately 25% of the original strength is retained. VICRYL Plus Suture has been shown in vitro to inhibit bacterial colonization of the suture for 7 days or more, addressing a known risk factor for surgical site infection. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers VICRYL Plus Suture, composed of a copolymer made from 90% glycolide and 10%-L-lactide
  • Predictable breaking strength retention (BSR) profile to provide support for up to 4 weeks while tissues heal
  • Synthetic absorbable, size 2-0, undyed braided, 27" (70 cm) suture
  • Taperpoint, CT-1 (36 mm), 1/2 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 36 sutures

Ethicon Fast Absorbing Gut (Plain) Suture, 1915G, Natural Absorbable, PC-1 (13 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 5-0, 18'' (45 cm), Yellowish Tan,12

Ethicon

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Product description

Fast Absorbing Gut Suture is indicated for dermal (skin) suturing only. It should be utilized only for external knot tying procedures. This suture being absorbable, should not be used where extended approximation of tissue is required. In vivo testing indicates that nearly all of its original strength is lost within approximately 7 days of implantation. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers Fast Absorbing Gut Suture, absorbable and made of purified connective tissue from either beef serosa or the submucosal fibrous layer of sheep intestine
  • In vivo tensile strength retention and absorption rate of Surgical Gut Suture varies based on suture type and endogenous factors such as tissue site and whether infection is present
  • Natural absorbable, size 5-0, yellowish tan 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, PC-1 (13 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon PROLENE Polypropylene Suture, 8683G, Synthetic Non-absorbable, FS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 4-0, 18'' (45 cm)

Ethicon

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Product description

PROLENE Suture is indicated for use in general tissue approximation and/or ligation including in cardiovascular, opthalmic, and neurogurical procedures. PROLENE Suture is non-absorbable and provides continuous tissue support. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers PROLENE Suture, a synthetic non-absorbable suture composed of an isotactic crystalline stereoisomer of polypropylene, a synthetic linear polyolefin
  • PROLENE Suture is non-absorbable and provides continous tissue support
  • Synthetic non-absorbable, size 4-0, dyed monofilament, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, FS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon ETHILON Nylon Suture, 662G, Synthetic Non-absorbable, FS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 4-0, 18" (45 cm),Black,12

Ethicon

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ETHILON Suture is indicated for use general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic and neurological procedures. ETHILON Suture is non-absorbable and provides continuous tissue support. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers ETHILON Suture, a synthetic non-absorbable sterile suture composed of the long-chain aliphatic polymers Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6
  • While nylon suture is not absorbed, progressive hydrolysis of the nylon in vivo may result in gradual loss over time of tensile strength
  • Synthetic non-absorbable, size 4-0, dyed monofilament, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, FS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon Coated VICRYL (polyglactin 910) Suture, J489G, Synthetic Absorbable, P-1 (11 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 6-0, 18" (45 cm)

Ethicon

Check latest price

Product description

VICRYL Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological tissues. In vivo studies demonstrate that VICRYL Suture retains approximately 75% of the original tensile strength at 2 weeks post implantation. At 3 weeks, approximately 50% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger and approximately 40% of its original strength is retained for sizes 7-0 and smaller. At four weeks, approximately 25% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers VICRYL Suture, a synthetic absorbable sterile suture composed of a copolymer made from 90% glycolide and 10%-L-lactide
  • Predictable breaking strength retention (BSR) profile to provide support for up to 4 weeks while tissues heal
  • Synthetic absorbable, size 6-0, undyed braided, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, P-1 (11 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon Surgical Gut (Plain) Suture, 774G, Natural Absorbable, G-1 (11 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 6-0, 18'' (45)

Ethicon

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Product description

Surgical Gut Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological tissues. This suture, being absorbable, should not be used where extended approximation of tissue is required. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers Surgical Gut Suture, an absorbable suture made of purified connective tissue from either beef serosa or the submucosal fibrous layer of sheep intestine
  • In vivo tensile strength retention and absorption rate of Surgical Gut Suture varies based on suture type and endogenous factors such as tissue site and whether infection is present
  • Natural absorbable, size 6-0, yellowish tan, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, G-1 (11 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon Surgical Gut (Chromic) Suture, 1637G, Natural Absorbable, PS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 4-0, 18" (45 cm),Brown

Ethicon

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Product description

Surgical Gut Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological tissues. This suture, being absorbable, should not be used where extended approximation of tissue is required. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers Surgical Gut Suture, an absorbable suture made of purified connective tissue from either beef serosa or the submucosal fibrous layer of sheep intestine
  • In vivo tensile strength retention and absorption rate of Surgical Gut Suture varies based on suture type and endogenous factors such as tissue site and whether infection is present
  • Natural absorbable, size 4-0, brown, 18" (45cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, PS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon Coated VICRYL (polyglactin 910) Suture, J496G, Synthetic Absorbable, PS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 4-0, 18" (45 cm)

Ethicon

Check latest price

Product description

VICRYL Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological tissues. In vivo studies demonstrate that VICRYL Suture retains approximately 75% of the original tensile strength at 2 weeks post implantation. At 3 weeks, approximately 50% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger and approximately 40% of its original strength is retained for sizes 7-0 and smaller. At four weeks, approximately 25% of the original strength is retained for sizes 6-0 and larger. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers VICRYL Suture, a synthetic absorbable sterile suture composed of a copolymer made from 90% glycolide and 10%-L-lactide
  • Predictable breaking strength retention (BSR) profile to provide support for up to 4 weeks while tissues heal
  • Synthetic absorbable, size 4-0, undyed braided, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, PS-2 (19 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon PROLENE Polypropylene Suture, 8698G, Synthetic Non-absorbable, P-3 (13 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 5-0, 18'' (45 cm),Blue

Ethicon

Check latest price

Product description

PROLENE Suture is indicated for use in general tissue approximation and/or ligation including in cardiovascular, opthalmic, and neurogurical procedures. PROLENE Suture is non-absorbable and provides continuous tissue support. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers PROLENE Suture, a synthetic non-absorbable suture composed of an isotactic crystalline stereoisomer of polypropylene, a synthetic linear polyolefin
  • PROLENE Suture is non-absorbable and provides continous tissue support
  • Synthetic non-absorbable, size 5-0, dyed monofilament, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, P-3 (13 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

Ethicon ETHILON Nylon Suture, 698G, Synthetic Non-absorbable, P-3 (13 mm), 3/8 Circle Needle, Size 5-0, 18" (45 cm)

Ethicon

Check latest price

Product description

ETHILON Suture is indicated for use general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic and neurological procedures. ETHILON Suture is non-absorbable and provides continuous tissue support. For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

Manufacturer Contact Information

1-877-384-4266

  • Ethicon, a leader in medical supplies, offers ETHILON Suture, a synthetic non-absorbable sterile suture composed of the long-chain aliphatic polymers Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6
  • While nylon suture is not absorbed, progressive hydrolysis of the nylon in vivo may result in gradual loss over time of tensile strength
  • Synthetic non-absorbable, size 5-0, dyed monofilament, 18" (45 cm) suture
  • Reverse cutting, P-3 (13 mm), 3/8 circle needle
  • Sterile, factory sealed box of 12 sutures

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