Which of the following monofilament sutures can be used for sternal closure?

Stainless steel monofilament sutures are indeed the preferred choice for sternal closure due to their strength and durability. The chest cavity and sternal area endure significant stress post-surgery, especially during activities such as coughing or deep breathing. Stainless steel provides a robust hold, minimizes the risk of breakage, and is less likely to cause tissue irritation or infection as compared to multi-filament options.

Moreover, stainless steel is inert and highly biocompatible, making it suitable for long-term tissue approximation and support. This property is crucial since sternal healing can take time, and the stability provided by stainless steel helps in maintaining proper alignment of the sternum during the healing process.

Other options such as Vicryl, Silk, and Catgut may not offer the same level of tensile strength or stability required for sternal closure and can also have different absorption rates and tissue reactions, which makes them less favorable for this specific application.