Ethicon MONOCRYL (Poliglecaprone 25) Suture Y494G
Pack Sizes Available
Product Description
Technical Specifications
- Material: Poliglecaprone 25 — copolymer of glycolide and epsilon-caprolactone; synthetic absorbable monofilament
- Model Code: Y494G
- Suture Specification: Size 4-0 (EP 1.5), undyed monofilament, 18" (45cm) single strand
- Needle: P-3 — 13mm, 3/8 circle, precision reverse cutting (MULTIPASS needle)
- Strength Retention: 50-60% at 7 days; 20-30% at 14 days post-implantation
- Absorption: Complete mass absorption by hydrolysis: 91-119 days
Frequently asked questions
MONOCRYL combines three properties that are particularly valuable for skin closure: very low tissue reactivity (less inflammatory response around the suture track than polyglactin 910 braided sutures), a monofilament structure (no capillary wicking of bacteria along the suture), and a relatively short strength retention profile (provides adequate support for the 7-14 day healing period, then loses strength quickly — reducing the residual foreign body burden at the healing skin margin). The smooth, pliable monofilament also passes through delicate tissue with less drag than braided materials.
MONOCRYL retains approximately 50-60% of original tensile strength at 7 days post-implantation and 20-30% at 14 days. Mass absorption (complete disappearance of the suture from tissue) occurs by hydrolysis between 91 and 119 days. The absorption mechanism is hydrolysis — the water in tissue cleaves the polymer chain progressively. Absorption is not affected by enzymes, which means the timeline is consistent across different tissue types and patient populations, unlike catgut, whose absorption rate varies with tissue protease activity.
MONOCRYL is available in two colour options: undyed (natural, the designation in Y494G) and violet (dyed with a biocompatible violet pigment for improved visibility in tissue). The undyed version is preferred for subcuticular skin closure and superficial wound closure where the suture may be visible through thin skin — violet suture material visible through translucent skin is aesthetically undesirable. For deep tissue applications where suture visibility in the wound aids placement, the violet version may be preferred.
Yes. Subcuticular continuous closure with MONOCRYL is one of its most common applications. The suture is placed in a running subcuticular pattern, passing horizontally through the papillary dermis just below the epidermal-dermal junction, pulling the wound edges together without any suture material at the skin surface. This provides excellent cosmetic closure as there are no transcutaneous suture entry and exit points that create the classic suture track marks. No suture removal is required as the MONOCRYL absorbs completely within 3-4 months.
MONOCRYL is specifically contraindicated for cardiovascular and neurological tissue applications. Its short strength retention profile (14-day significant remaining strength) is insufficient for the prolonged support requirements of cardiovascular tissue repairs, where polydioxanone or permanent polyester sutures are indicated. It is also not recommended for microsurgery or ophthalmic surgery. For urological procedures involving the urinary tract, caution is required as prolonged contact with urine can affect absorption rate, and suture material may calcify in the urinary tract in contact with salt solutions.
Ethicon Ethibond Excel Polyester Suture W4846 (USP 5, V-55, 4x75cm, Green)
Cardiovascular surgery, orthopaedic repairs, fascial closure in abdominal procedures, ophthalmology, neurological tissue fixation — these are not situations that tolerate a suture that degrades, stretches, or loses its tensile strength after placement. The tissues being approximated need to remain approximated indefinitely. The suture is expected to maintain its mechanical properties for the life of the patient. Ethicon Ethibond Excel is a non-absorbable braided polyester suture — polyethylene terephthalate (PET) monofilament fibres woven into a braided multifilament structure and coated with polybutylate, a unique coating compound developed by Ethicon. Polybutylate is a semi-crystalline co-polymer that bonds to the polyester braid mechanically rather than as a surface film, providing a coating that does not flake off or degrade over time. The coating gives Ethibond Excel its characteristic smooth tissue passage and handling properties without the coating failure that can occur with wax or silicone coatings on other braided sutures. The W4846 designation identifies a specific needle-strand combination: USP size 5 (EP gauge 6) green braided suture, four 75cm strands per package, fitted with the V-55 needle — a large, heavy-gauge 1/2 circle taper-cut needle designed for tough, fibrous tissue that requires more cutting force than a standard taper-point would provide. The V-55 needle is commonly used in large orthopaedic applications, fascial repair, and tendon surgery. The green dyeing provides high visual contrast against tissue, which is a clinical priority in procedures where suture retrieval and knot identification must be rapid and unambiguous. The braided structure provides reliable knot security — critical in permanent sutures where post-operative knot slippage would compromise the repair. For surgical supply distributors, Ethibond Excel is a standard catalogue item in suture product ranges, particularly those serving orthopaedic, cardiovascular, and general surgery units. Sara Wellness exports Ethicon surgical sutures to medical distributors internationally.
Ethicon Ethilon Non-Absorbable Nylon Suture NW3336
Nylon sutures occupy a specific position in the suture inventory that is not easily replaced: strong, smooth, non-reactive, and available in fine enough diameters to close skin on the face with minimal scarring. They are the suture of choice for skin closure, where the material will be removed after healing, and where the primary requirements are tissue-friendly passage, minimal scarring, and reliable knot security for the duration of healing. Ethicon Ethilon is a monofilament nylon suture — a single continuous filament of long-chain aliphatic polyamide polymer (Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6) that provides a smooth, low-drag tissue passage without the interstices of a braided structure that could harbour bacteria. The monofilament structure also provides spring-back memory (the suture tends to return to its original straight shape when removed from the packaging), which requires more throws per knot to achieve secure knotting but also means the suture does not wick fluids along its length. The NW3336 is a specific product code identifying: USP size 2-0 (EP 3), black monofilament, with a 45mm 3/8 circle reverse cutting needle, and a 70cm strand length. The reverse cutting needle has a cutting edge on the outer (convex) curve of the needle, which reduces the risk of suture pullout through tissue compared to conventional cutting needles (which cut toward the wound margin). The 45mm needle provides good tissue clearance for general wound closure applications where the tissue thickness requires a larger needle radius. Black dye provides high visual contrast against skin and tissue for easy suture identification during placement and at removal. The 70cm working length provides adequate material for medium-length wound closures without excess strand to manage. For surgical supply distributors, Ethilon is one of the most widely ordered non-absorbable suture products — a standard skin closure option in virtually every surgical tray configuration. Sara Wellness exports Ethicon sutures to distributors internationally.
Ethicon PDS II Polydioxanone Suture NW9262
Abdominal wall closure after major laparotomy demands a suture that is still doing its job weeks after the operation, when the patient is coughing, breathing deeply in physiotherapy, and beginning to resume activity. Mass closure of the abdominal wall requires adequate tensile support for the full healing cycle — typically 4-6 weeks — because the risk of burst abdomen peaks at the point when the abdominal wound is under dynamic functional load but has not yet developed adequate collagen maturity. Ethicon PDS II is polydioxanone — a synthetic absorbable monofilament suture with one of the longest strength retention profiles among absorbable suture materials. PDS II retains approximately 70% of its original tensile strength at 2 weeks post-implantation and approximately 50% at 4 weeks, providing meaningful mechanical support through the entire primary wound healing phase. Complete absorption by hydrolysis occurs between 182 and 238 days — well past the point at which support is needed. The NW9262 product code identifies a large, heavy version for major fascial and abdominal wall closure: USP size 1 (EP 4), violet monofilament, 150cm strand (length sufficient for continuous mass closure of a midline laparotomy), fitted with a 50mm 1/2 circle round body heavy needle. The round body needle has a tapered point and no cutting edge — it pushes through tissue rather than cutting, which preserves tissue integrity and reduces the risk of suture pullout through the widened needle track that a cutting needle creates. The violet colour provides excellent visibility in deep wounds during continuous suture placement and facilitates identification at any subsequent procedure if the suture is still present before absorption is complete. PDS II is also used for fascial repair in hernia surgery when a delayed-absorbable suture is preferred over permanent suture, and in paediatric cardiovascular surgery where tissue growth at the suture site is expected. Sara Wellness exports Ethicon sutures to medical distributors internationally.