The aim of this study was to test potential value of the carbon dioxide laser welding to coagulate and reinforce the slippery tyings of synthetic surgical sutures. This laser processing was found beneficial in increasing knot tensile strength and knot security for nylon monofilament sutures. Mechanical performance testing using an Instron tensiometer also indicated that with a proper choice of lasing parameters this technique could achieve reliable knot security with only two-throws of a granny as well as a square knot configuration for the slippery nylon suture. Some in vivo experiments in surgical patients suggested potential applicability of this modality for thermoplastic suture materials in routine surgical operations.
