The absorbable suture thread market offers a range of sutures that are designed to be absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for suture removal. These sutures are widely used in various medical procedures, including surgeries and wound closures. The market is divided into two main segments based on suture type- monofilament sutures and braided sutures.
Monofilament sutures are single-stranded threads that provide smooth passage through tissues, reducing tissue trauma and the risk of infection. They offer excellent handling characteristics and are less prone to harboring bacteria compared to braided sutures. Monofilament sutures are preferred for delicate surgeries and procedures where precise tissue approximation is crucial. Braided sutures, on the other hand, consist of multiple strands intertwined together. They offer better knot security and are more pliable, making them suitable for applications that require stronger support or where tissue movement is expected. Braided sutures are commonly used in general surgeries and orthopedic procedures.
Drivers of the Absorbable Suture Thread Market
The key driver of market growth is the increasing number of surgeries. The global healthcare industry is witnessing a rising number of surgical procedures owing to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and orthopedic disorders. According to the National Cancer Institute, as of January 2022, in the US, there were 623,405 people with metastatic breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, bladder, or melanoma, and by the year 2025, that number is projected to rise to 693,452. Besides, according to Cancer Research UK, between 2013 and 2014, 45% of cancer patients had surgery to remove their tumor, and only 28% had chemotherapy and 27% had radiotherapy. This shows that in chronic diseases such as cancer, surgery is significant, which further boosts the absorbable suture thread’s demand. Additionally, the global geriatric population is increasing at a rapid pace. The geriatric population is more prone to injuries and chronic diseases, which require surgical procedures. According to the United Nations’ World Population Ageing 2019 report, in 2019, there were 703 million people worldwide who were 65 or older. In 2050, it is expected that there will be 1.5 billion elderly individuals. This factor is expected to drive the demand for absorbable suture threads in the near future.
Key Products by Major Market Players
The absorbable suture thread market has significant contributors such as DemeTECH Corp., Gunze Ltd., Lux Sutures AS, Medtronic Plc, Johnson and Johnson Services Inc., and others. These players offer several absorbable suture thread brands. Some of them include-
• Velosorb Fast Braided Absorbable Sutures (Medtronic Plc)- These are braided absorbable sutures composed of a synthetic polyester made from glycolide and lactide. These sutures offer pliable handling, easy knot tying, and strong wound approximation during the critical wound healing period. They have a fast absorption rate and minimal tissue drag. Velosorb fast sutures are indicated for soft tissue approximation of the skin and mucosa when short-term wound support is needed. However, they cannot be used for certain procedures such as ligation, ophthalmic, cardiovascular, or neurological surgeries.
• Chirasorb Rapid Braided (Vitrex)- Chirasorb Rapid Braided is a short-term absorbable suture made of 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide. It is coated and composed of a non-antigenic and non-collagenous material. The suture undergoes absorption through hydrolysis, gradually losing its tensile strength without significant mass loss. It is indicated for various applications such as skin closure, pediatric surgery, episiotomies, and ophthalmic surgery for conjunctival sutures. However, it cannot be used in tissues that may require long-term mechanical support or are subject to expansion or stretching.
• Luxcryl 910 (Lux Sutures AS)- Luxcryl 910 (Polyglactin 910) is a synthetic absorbable surgical suture made of a braided and coated multifilament composed of Polyglactine 910. The suture is a copolymer consisting of 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide. It has a minimal tissue reaction and undergoes hydrolytic absorption over a period of 56 to 70 days. After 21 days, approximately 40% to 50% of the tensile strength remains. Luxcryl 910 sutures are commonly used in various surgical procedures, including general soft tissue closure, ligation, general surgery, skin closure, gastrointestinal surgery, plastic surgery, ophthalmic surgery, gynecology, obstetrics, orthopaedics, and urology.