The very first sutures were made from natural materials – silk, linen and collagen (catgut) – and were eventually replaced by absorbable synthetic sutures.

A suture usually comprises a thread and a single needle see Armed >>, which is the most conventional form.
The needle is an essential component as it is the first part to pass through the tissues and conditions the success of the suturing, to a certain extent.
The needle consists of 3 parts: point, body and curvature see Curvature >>. Each of these features has to be carefully identified for the purpose of making the best choice, that is, for choosing the most appropriate needle for the patient and the type of surgery involved. [1]
B. Braun offers a wide range of needles made from 300 grade stainless steel see Steel >> alloy: more than 150 types that are indication-specific and also tailor-made to surgeons‘ preferences.
The main characteristics of the needles are given on the B. Braun suture packaging see Packaging >> along with a full-size illustration of the needle, thus making the surgeon‘s choice easier. 

[1] Hochberg J, Meyer KM, Marion MD.; Suture Choice and Other Methods on Skin Closure; Surg Clin North Am. 2009 Jun;89(3):627-41.