Final answer:
Synthetic absorbable sutures are designed to lose tensile strength within approximately 8 weeks as they are absorbed by the body. Examples include polyglycolic acid and polyglactin 910 sutures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of suture that typically loses tensile strength in approximately 8 weeks is a synthetic absorbable suture. These sutures are designed to be broken down by the body's natural processes, losing tensile strength as they are absorbed. Examples of such sutures include polyglycolic acid (PGA) sutures like Dexon and polyglactin 910 sutures like Vicryl. Medical professionals need to choose the appropriate type of suture based on the rate at which the wound is expected to heal and how quickly the suture is absorbed by the body.