Vicryl is a type of polyglycolic acid (PGA) suture. PGA sutures are made of sugar and acid, so they dissolve in the body’s natural fluids instead of sticking like other sutures. There are several advantages to using PGA sutures over traditional nylon or gut sutures: They don’t have any nickel in them, which means they’re less likely to cause allergic reactions than stainless steel or titanium needles. The Vicryl brand offers a wide range of PGA suture options. This article gives you all the information you need about how to use Vicryl sutures safely and effectively for wounds, lacerations, and surgical repairs.
What are the Benefits of Using Vicryl Sutures?
Vicryl polyglactin 910 suture material is FDA-approved and proven to have fewer allergic reactions than other types of sutures. It is 100 percent PGA and therefore is completely non-allergenic. One of the main advantages of using a PGA suture over a traditional absorbable suture is that it doesn’t have any nickel in it. This means that it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction when it comes in contact with your skin. PGA suture is also reparable, which means you can cut it with a pair of scissors and use it again. In the case of traditional sutures, the thread is usually not reparable, so you’d need to replace it with a new suture.
Vicryl Suturing Basics
First, cut a length of suture about 10 to 12 inches long. Make sure the end is clean and free of fuzz. Next, make a small “T” with the suture and place it at the base of the wound or area where it will be used to repair a wound. Then, hold the suture over the wound, with the “T” end on the outside of the wound, and then bring it to the inside of the wound. Pull the suture through the opening and tie it off around a nearby object, like the wall. There are many ways to tie off the suture, depending on your needs. You can twist the suture and double over it, or you can do a figure-eight knot.
Vicryl Care Instructions for Wounds and Lacerations
Wounds and lacerations: If you’ve cut yourself or someone else on accident, use a PGA suture to close the wound. Let your doctor know if there’s an allergic reaction to the suture, as it’s very rare in most people. If the wound is large and there’s a risk of infection from dirt or bacteria getting in, you may want to use a tristate wound closure device. This is a small plastic ring that you can wear over the wound for a few days to keep it dry. If the wound is small, you can close it using an antibiotic ointment and an antibacterial pad.
Vicryl Care Instructions for Surgical Repairs
When Vicryl is used to tie off a wound or repair a large laceration, follow these care instructions: Make sure the wound is clean and dry. If the wound is contaminated, you can get an infection. If the wound is very large, you may want to use a tristate closure device to keep it sterile. This can help prevent infection. Put antibiotic ointment on the wound to prevent infection. Cut the suture as close to the knot as possible and make sure it’s clean. If the laceration is deep, you may want to use a sterile needleless injection device to avoid getting blood-borne pathogens like HIV or HCV.
Final Words
When you need to repair or close a wound or laceration, you’ll want to use reliable suture polyglactin material that won’t break or fail. Vicryl sutures are proven to deliver optimal performance in every wound and laceration. They’re approved by the FDA, NSF International and made by Hybrid, an ISO-9001-certified manufacturer for more than 50 years. These sutures are FDA-cleared for use in the OR and on the bedside. They’re available in a wide range of strengths and colours, so you can find the right one for your next suturing need.