Common questions about our products, ordering, and shipping. Don't see your answer here? Contact us and we'll help.
Surgical sutures are sterile medical devices used to hold body tissues together after surgery or injury, supporting the wound during the healing process. They are typically made of materials such as silk, nylon, or absorbable polymers, and are selected based on the tissue type, location, and required healing time.
Merit Surgical offers a full range of synthetic absorbable, ophthalmic, and plastic surgery sutures. Our absorbable sutures break down naturally over time and are absorbed by the body, while our non-absorbable sutures remain in place. Our catalog includes Polyglactin 910, Polydioxanone (PDS), Polyglycolic Acid, Nylon, and Polypropylene product families.
Our sutures are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of surgical procedures — from general surgery and ophthalmic procedures to plastic and reconstructive surgery. Specific products work better for certain tissues and procedures. Browse our catalog by application or contact our team and we'll help you find the right match.
Our sutures are made from materials including Polyglactin 910, Polydioxanone, Polyglycolic Acid (PGA), Nylon, and Polypropylene. Absorbable sutures (PGA, Polyglactin, PDS) are biodegradable and break down naturally within the body over weeks to months, depending on the material. Non-absorbable sutures (Nylon, Polypropylene) remain in the body permanently unless removed.
Selection depends on the tissue type, wound location, expected tension, and whether you need absorbable or non-absorbable material. As a general guide: smaller gauge numbers mean larger, stronger sutures; use absorbable sutures for internal tissues; use non-absorbable for skin closure or where permanent support is needed. Our team is happy to provide recommendations — contact us with your procedure details.
Shelf life varies by suture type but typically spans several years from the manufacture date. All sutures should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Check the individual product packaging for the specific expiration date before use.
Yes. Our sutures are compatible with standard sterilization methods including ethylene oxide (EtO) gas, gamma irradiation, and autoclaving where applicable. All products are shipped sterile in sealed packaging. Do not use if packaging is damaged or compromised.
Yes, bulk purchasing is available. There are no strict minimum order quantities for online orders, though we can accommodate institutional and high-volume procurement needs. For large or recurring orders, contact our team directly for volume pricing and dedicated support.
Yes. We offer pricing adjustments for bulk purchases and for returning customers with regular procurement needs. Reach out to our team and we'll work out an arrangement that makes sense for your facility's volume and order frequency.
Browse our product catalog, add items to your cart, and proceed through the checkout process. You'll enter your shipping address, review your order, and complete payment securely through Stripe. An order confirmation will be emailed to you automatically after checkout.
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) processed securely through Stripe. For institutional or purchase-order based procurement, contact us to discuss invoicing arrangements.
Standard shipping typically takes 3–7 business days within the United States. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout.
Merit Surgical currently ships within the United States only.
Yes. Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number by email so you can monitor delivery status. If you have questions about a shipment, contact us with your order number and we'll look into it right away.
Our training sutures are genuine surgical sutures that have passed their manufacturer's expiration date. They are sold exclusively for medical training, suture practice, and simulation — not for clinical or patient use. The sutures are stored properly and remain intact, making them ideal for hands-on skill development in a realistic setting.
No. Expired sutures must not be used on patients or in any clinical setting. They are intended solely for practice and educational purposes. Each product in our training catalog is clearly labeled as 'Expired — Training Use Only.'
Yes — they are the same genuine surgical sutures from the same manufacturers, with the same materials, gauges, and needle types. The only difference is that they have passed the expiration date for clinical use. For training purposes, this makes no meaningful difference to the feel, handling, and suturing experience.
Our team is happy to help with product selection, order support, or anything else.
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