Mark Mooney

A High-Strength, Absorbable, Antibacterial Knotless Tissue Control Device for Fascial Closure

Purpose of ReviewThis review provides an overview of the STRATAFIX™ SYMMETRIC PDS™ Plus Knotless Tissue Control Device design and performance characteristics and highlights the device’s relevance for use in gynecological procedures. Various device testing was conducted on tensile strength, fixation tab mass comparison to conventional suture knot tower, initiation stitch strength, and wound holding strength to highlight the STRATAFIX™ SYMMETRIC PDS™ Plus Device’s key product attributes that may benefit general and minimally invasive gynecological procedures.Recent FindingsThis article serves as a technological assessment of the latest barbed suture offered by Ethicon—STRATAFIX™ SYMMETRIC PDS™ Plus Knotless Tissue Control Device. This device is indicated for soft tissue approximation and can be used to close high tension areas, such as fascia.SummaryBarbed sutures were successfully introduced to gynecologic surgery many years ago, and their safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated in a variety of gynecological surgical procedures. By eliminating the need to tie surgical knots, barbed suture provides a few key advantages over conventional suture, such as reducing operating room time, eliminating potential knot-related complications, and reducing suturing difficulty in open and minimally invasive gynecological procedures. Additionally, there are tensile strength and wound holding strength advantages (vs. conventional PDS™ Plus Suture) described in the product testing highlighted in this review that may be relevant for gynecological procedures.