PGLA Rapid suture is a synthetic absorbable sterile surgical suture composed of a copolymer made from 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide. The characteristic rapid loss of strength is achieved by use of a polymer material with a lower molecular weight than regular PGLA (polyglactin 910) suture.

PGLA Rapid are obtained by coating the braided suture material with a copolymer composed of 90% caprolactone and 10% glycolide followed by a mixture composed of equal parts of copolymer of glycolide and lactide (polyglactin 370) and calcium stearate of vegetable origin. The copolymers used in this product have been found to be non-antigenic, non-pyrogenic and elicit only a mild tissue reaction during absorption.

The sutures are available dyed and undyed (natural). Progressive loss of tensile strength and eventual absorption of PGLA Rapid occurs by means of hydrolysis, where the copolymer degrades to glycolic and lactic acids that are subsequently absorbed and metabolized in the body. 

Absorption begins as a loss of tensile strength followed by a loss of mass. The retention strength of PGLA Rapid is about 45% of the initial strength after 7 days. 

FEATURES

·Available from USP size 7-0 to 4

·The copolymers used in this product have been found to be non-antigenic, non-pyrogenic and elicit only a mid tissue reaction during absorption

·The retention strength of PGLA Rapid is about 45% of the initial strength after 7 days. 

 · The absorption of PGLA Rapid is essentially complete by 42 days.