An evaluation of the usability and durability of 3D printed versus standard suture materials

Abstract

AbstractThe capability to produce suture material using three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology may have applications in remote health facilities where rapid restocking of supplies is not an option. This is a feasibility study evaluating the usability of 3D‐printed sutures in the repair of a laceration wound when compared with standard suture material. The 3D‐printed suture material was manufactured using a fused deposition modelling 3D printer and nylon 3D printing filament. Study participants were tasked with performing laceration repairs on the pigs' feet, first with 3‐0 WeGo nylon suture material, followed by the 3D‐printed nylon suture material. Twenty‐six participants were enrolled in the study. Survey data demonstrated statistical significance with how well the 3D suture material performed with knot tying, 8.9 versus 7.5 (p = 0.0018). Statistical significance was observed in the 3D‐printed suture's ultimate tensile strength when compared to the 3‐0 Novafil suture (274.8 vs. 199.8 MPa, p = 0.0096). The 3D‐printed suture also demonstrated statistical significance in ultimate extension when compared to commercial 3‐0 WeGo nylon suture (49% vs. 37%, p = 0.0215). This study was successful in using 3D printing technology to manufacture suture material and provided insight into its usability when compared to standard suture material.