Something else about the gotcha I always wondered about is, by that point, might the suture have been in a state of already being partially dissolved? Instead of being the big ball of string that Columbo pulls out of his pocket, might there just have been little bits and pieces of suture that might not even be recognizable? I had dissolving suture in my teeth after dental surgery, and after a few days, little pieces of suture would sometimes break off and be loose in my mouth. Then if that is the case, couldn't Mayfield have just kind of left the dissolving suture in the body as has already been mentioned? Or crushed or obscured the remnants in some other way while he was operating?

I also agree that Heidemann isn't very likable. And I agree that it is too convenient how Mayfield breaks into Harry's apartment and is also able to tamper with the medication that is just sitting out unattended.

I believe there are different strengths of dissolving suture. In Dr. Heideman's case it was only a few days and Dr. Mayfield kept saying: "Just a few more days", meaning until they dissolve and he can publish the research. So the suture should not have dissolved yet according to Mayfield's remark.

I agree with you about leaving the dissolving suture in the body. There was no reason to remove it. He should have just reinforced the heart valve with real suture. It's strange that the assistant was watching Mayfield and didn't notice one false move. How did Mayfield get the old suture out and put it in his pocket?

Yes, I also always wondered how Mayfield got the suture out and kept it out of sight while he was being so closely watched by the assistant and also by Columbo from above the operating room.