Medtronic Stainless Steel Sutures. Composed of 316L stainless steel conforming to ASTM Standard F138 Grade 2 "Stainless steel bar and wire for surgical implants." Meets all requirements established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopeia (EP) for nonabsorbable surgical sutures. The most inert among al suture materials and provides maximum tensile strength. Indicated for use in abdominal wound closure, intestinal anastomosis, hernia repair, sternal closure and also for certain orthopedic procedures (cerclage or tendon repair).