The effect of suture material in the development of vascular infection.

Seven different suture materials were evaluated in a standard rabbit aortotomy model as to infectability. Two monofilament sutures were found to have the lowest infection rate on the suture line as compared to multifilament material. It is assumed that this result is on the basis of the physical properties of the suture material. Infection of vascular anastomeses is an extremely serious complication. In 1971, the ten year experience of this Center was reported. The overall attack rate was low (0.25%) which represented 15 infections in 5,988 vascular procedures. However, of the 15 infected anastomoses 11 patients died a mortality of 73%. The most common etiologic agent in these infections was Staphylococ-