Most importantly, its high elasticity makes it perform exceptionally well in vascular suturing.
Simply put, blood inside the vessel will fluctuate with blood pressure in peaks and troughs. When the vessel is filled with fluid, it stretches the anastomosis like a rubber band, avoiding a rigid break like a non-elastic rope. When fluid levels are low, it can contract back effectively to promote healing.
This unique advantage of polypropylene sutures is undoubtedly very suitable when used in the anastomosis of large blood vessels entering and exiting the heart, the body's largest blood pump.
In adult heart transplants, indeed, using only polypropylene sutures is sufficient.
However, it's different in pediatrics.
