The healthcare industry is today undergoing drastic changes thanks to the unique innovations that are gradually getting embedded into the sector. These threads are, or at least should be, more than just raw materials since there are advances in technology, materials science, and biotechnology that are changing the way we provide care to patients.
One of the most interesting areas of emphasis is within medical textiles which has not been widely exploited before. Smart materials that can deliver drugs, track vital signs, and stimulate tissue growth are starting to replace traditional ones like stitches and bandages. These materials are intended to be biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of altering the biological environment in new ways.
Another interesting aspect includes integrating medical devices with artificial intelligence and machine learning. This new development is paving the way for smart implants that will not only adapt to changing environments but also detect problems and provide relevant treatment. In addition, AI-enabled clinical decision support systems are revolutionising the diagnosis of diseases and their management, preventing illness, and reducing healthcare costs.
Dr. Frank Hsieh mentions that these changing threads are no single leap forward, but rather constitutive parts in developing a different story of health care. Thanks to the infusion of these new developments, we are about to enter a new epoch in which medicine will be more sophisticated, precise, and effective than it has ever been. The capacity of these innovations to bring about tangible changes in people’s lives is astounding. As we go farther into the possibilities, it is fair to expect that a number of revolutionary developments are in the offing.
Water Soluble Threads
Due to its exceptional properties, water-soluble threads are employed in a wide range of medical practices and developing even further. Also called as dissolvable sutures, these are further explained here:
What are Water-Soluble Threads?
- Material: These threads are made from materials that will eventually get dissolved in water within the body.
- Mechanism: These threads break down gradually over the years, and the metabolites are harmless and are absorbed by the body.
- Types: Widely used are Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polylactic acid (PLA)
What are Water Soluble Threads Common Medical Uses:
- Surgery:
- Internal stitches: Water-soluble threads are often used as internal stitches and since these do not need to be cut out and removed, are painful and invasive.
- Temporary sutures: As a temporary measure, they can also be used as sutures to hold tissues in place until natural healing of the body occurs.
- Microsurgery: Due to their fineness, these threads are ideal for performing microsurgical procedures with a microsurgical thread.
2. Cosmetics:
- Surgery: Water-soluble threads can also be used to lift and tighten the skin in areas of concern in aesthetic procedures, and are also used to support the skin during the fusion of threads.
- Dermal fillers: Additionally, some types of water-soluble threads can be used to plump the skin and fill in wrinkles.
3. Other Applications:
- Dental treatments: Water soluble threads could also be used during the performance of specific dental procedures.
- Veterinary Medicine: They serve comparable functions in veterinary surgery as they do in human medicine.
- Medical Towels & Babywear: Polyester corespun thread is used for towels in hospitals and textured thread are used for soft babywear.
Advantages of Water-Soluble Threads:
- Decreased Infection Risk: The risk of infection from suture removal is removed as they disintegrate.
- Patient Comfort: Less discomfort is experienced because sutures don’t need to be removed.
Important Considerations:
- Strength and Absorption period: The necessary strength and intended absorption period for the particular application determine which water-soluble thread is best.
- Medical Supervision: Only a licensed healthcare provider should oversee the usage of water-soluble threads.
It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare professional for tailored guidance if you have any particular medical issues or enquiries regarding water-soluble threads.
Different Types of Threads Used in the Medical Industry
Threads, which are also called surgical sutures, are crucial instruments in the medical field for sealing wounds and securing tissues during and post surgery. There are different kinds available, each with unique characteristics and uses.
- Absorbable Sutures:
These sutures dissolve and are absorbed naturally by the body, eliminating the requirement for extraction. They are frequently used for internal sutures and in locations where removal would be challenging or unnecessary.
- Catgut: Catgut is a type of natural absorbable suture made from animal collagen. Plain and chromic types are offered, with chromic catgut requiring more time to be absorbed.
- Polyglycolic Acid (PGA): Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) is a synthetic absorbable suture with strong tensile strength, commonly used for closing deep tissues.
- Polyglactin 910: Polyglactin 910, also known as Vicryl, is a synthetic absorbable suture that offers consistent strength and is frequently used in various general surgical procedures.
- Polydioxanone (PDS): Polydioxanone (PDS) provides high tensile strength and gradual absorption, making it ideal for long-term tissue support.
2. Bon-absorbable sutures:
They are intended for surface closures that can be removed and stay in the body permanently.
- Silk: Silk is a strong natural suture that is not absorbable and has good handling qualities. Frequently employed for skin closure.
- Nylon: Nylon is a type of artificial suture that cannot be absorbed by the body, and it comes in both monofilament and braided versions. It is often used for closing the skin and for ophthalmic surgeries.
- Polyester (Ethibond): A resilient, synthetic suture that is not absorbable and has excellent knot-tying characteristics. Frequently used in orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgeries.
- Polypropylene (Prolene): This man-made non-absorbable stitch is inactive and possesses impressive tensile power. It is frequently used for hernia repair and other operations that need extended support.
The choice of suture depends on various factors, including the type of tissue being sutured, the required strength and absorption time, and the surgeon’s preference.
Conclusion
Radical advancements in the medical field are becoming possible with the use of new technologies. These threads, constructed from materials such as silk, polymers and metals, are revolutionising procedures across a broad range of medicine. Be it the use of minimally invasive techniques or regenerative medicine, threads find applications in such a way that they enhance patient care and outcomes.
With ongoing advances in research and development, the outlook for new innovations based on threads seems indeed positive. We are not far from the time when threads with specificity in design will be employed in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and diagnostics. These advancements are poised to solve complex medical problems and in turn, improve the lives of many people.
