Surgical Gut suture is an absorbable sterile surgical suture composed of purified connective tissue (mostly collagen) derived from the serosal layer of beef (bovine) intestines.

The chromic gut contains a chromic salt solution to delay absorption. Surgical gut suture meets all requirements established by the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) for absorbable surgical sutures.

Surgical gut (Plain and Chromic) is indicated for use in general, soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic procedures.

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When Surgical Gut Suture is placed in tissue, a moderate tissue inflammation occurs characteristic of foreign body response to a substance. This is followed by a loss of tensile strength and suture mass, as the proteolytic enzymatic digestive process dissolves the surgical gut. This process continues until the suture is completely absorbed. Many variable factors may affect the rate of absorption. Some of the major factors which can affect tensile strength loss and absorption rates are:

• Chromic gut is 100 percent absorbed in 60 to 90 days.
• Infection – Surgical gut is absorbed more rapidly in infected tissue than in non-infected tissue.
• Tissue Sites -- Surgical gut will absorb more rapidly in tissue where increased levels of proteolytic enzymes are present, as in the secretions exhibited in stomach, cervix and vagina.

• DemeTech manufactures its Chromic Catgut sutures with the highest quality collagen, maintaining a composition of 97%-98% of pure collagen.
• DemeTech's Chromic Catgut sutures are covered in chromic salt to prolong integrity, minimize tissue reactivity, and minimize the chance of adverse reactions.
• Tensile strength is retained for up to 14 days, and sometimes as long as 21 days.
• Allows for smooth passage through tissue.
• Easy knot tying characteristics.
• DemeTech's new technology of chromicizing strands minimizes the possibility of fraying and maximizes the potential and integrity of its Chromic Catgut.