Chromic gut pelviscopic loop ligature. Effect of the number of pulls on the tensile strength.

The failure load of a pelviscopic loop ligature (PLL) was determined after tightening the slip knot with one, two or three pulls. The PLL showed a significant decrease in strength when tightened with three or more pulls. In each group some PLLs failed from slippage rather than from fracture of the suture material at the base of the knot. Slippage occurred more frequently with each additional pull. The findings indicate that the surgeon should apply only one pull on the device for the most secure knot. In addition, there was no strength difference between the suture material itself and the junction of the suture and its plastic tail grip. The plastic tail grip of the PLL will not release the tail end of the suture material before either the suture material or the slip knot fails.