Ethicon Nordics fully prioritizes antibacterial plus sutures

Ethicon Nordics will now focus exclusively on their well-established Antibacterial Plus Sutures. All absorbable sutures (VICRYL Plus, MONOCRYL Plus, and PDS Plus) therefore provide the proven antibacterial effect that reduces the risk of surgical site infections.

This initiative highlights how Plus Sutures can contribute to optimal wound healing and effective protection against bacterial colonization, and why they have become an integral part of modern surgical routines.

We spoke with Christian Arill, Marketing Manager at Johnson & Johnson Nordics, about Plus Sutures and their benefits for veterinarians and patients.

Are antibacterial sutures a new innovation?

– Not at all. VICRYL Plus was introduced in the Nordics in 2005, followed by MONOCRYL Plus in 2008 and PDS Plus in 2010. The products are well established and supported by extensive research and clinical studies.

What are Plus Sutures?

Christian explains that even sterile sutures can become a site where bacteria attach and form biofilms, which may complicate healing and antibiotic treatment.– Plus Sutures are coated with triclosan, an antibacterial agent that prevents bacterial growth from the very start.

Why are they important?

Despite thorough skin preparation and prophylactic antibiotics before surgery, surgical site infections can still occur. Sutures may act as a “foreign body” where bacteria can adhere. Protecting the suture is therefore crucial to reducing infection risk and supporting safe, rapid healing.

How do they work?

Triclosan kills bacteria on contact and is simultaneously released as the suture is absorbed, creating a local antibacterial effect that also benefits the surrounding tissue.– Laboratory experiments clearly show that bacteria do not grow on or around Plus Sutures.

Why triclosan?

Triclosan selectively targets bacterial cells without harming human tissue, unlike for example chlorhexidine, which can delay healing. In addition, no known links to antibiotic resistance have been found, making it a safe and reliable choice.

The future of antibacterial sutures

With more than one billion sutures sold, the trend is clear: antibacterial sutures are quickly becoming the standard of care. In some countries, they are already used almost exclusively thanks to their significant patient benefits.

A small reminder

Christian emphasizes that these insights are based on his personal experience since 2014 and do not represent official J&J statements. For clinical decisions, authoritative sources should always be consulted.

Note: All information in this article is based on material from J&J Nordics and their own experience and product data. The text does not constitute official medical recommendations. For clinical decisions, authoritative sources and local guidelines should always be consulted.