A variety of materials, including nonmetallic and metallic materials, are used to make sutures. Various sutures with the needles removed have been tested at 1.5- and 3.0-Tesla because they have not been previously evaluated in association with the MR environment and there is confusion regarding the implications of these materials for patients undergoing MR procedures. At 1.5-Tesla, for the 13 different sutures evaluated, all were considered safe for patients.

MR Safety at 3.0-Tesla and Sutures
At 3-Tesla, most of the sutures evaluated displayed no magnetic field interactions, while two (Flexon suture and Steel suture, United States Surgical, North Haven, CT) showed minor deflection angles and torque. For these two sutures, the in situ application of these materials provides sufficient counter-forces to prevent movement or dislodgment. Therefore, in consideration of the intended in vivo use of these materials, all of the sutures with the needles removed tested to date are regarded to be acceptable at 3-Tesla.

REFERENCE
Shellock FG. Reference Manual For Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants, and Devices: 2010 Edition. Biomedical Research Publishing Group, Los Angeles, CA, 2014.

Shellock FG. Biomedical implants and devices: assessment of magnetic field interactions with a 3.0-Tesla MR system. J Magn Reson Imag 2002;16:721-732.