The compound of the monofilament of the polyester, poly (p-dioxanone), represents a significant advance in suturing options. It combines the features of soft, pliable, monofilament construction with absorbability, which provides extended wound support for up to six weeks. In addition, it elicits only slight tissue reaction, because this material is well-suited for many types of soft tissue approximations; including pediatric cardiovascular, orthopedic, gynecologic, ophthalmic, plastic, digestive and colonic surgeries.

Like other synthetic absorbable sutures, polydioxanone sutures are absorbed through hydrolysis. Approximately 90% of tensile strength remains after two weeks of post implantation, 90% at four weeks, and 62% following six weeks. Absorption is minimal until about the 90th day postoperatively and essentially completed within six months. However, the safety and effectiveness of polydioxanone sutures in microsurgery, neural tissue, and adult cardiovascular tissue have not been established. Polydioxanone sutures are available as violet and purple strands to enhance visibility.