Catgut Chromic Suture | Catgut suture
Catgut or gut suture is an absorbable suture usually manufactured from the intestine of sheep or goat. Catgut suture are composed of highly purified connective tissue derived from either beef or sheep intestines. The membrane is chemically treated and slender strands are woven together to form a suture. The grinding process creates a strand of uniform diameter. The suture strand is then further polished to achieve maximum smoothness, for reliability and strength. Catgut suture are available in the form of plain catgut or chromic catgut.
Plain catgut is usually having shorter absorption periods and is absorbed more rapidly in infected areas. . The percentage of collagen in the catgut suture often determines the quality of the suture. Higher percentages of collagen allow for: superior tensile strength, longer absorption times, and lower reactions in vivo. Plain catgut is available in ivory colour.
Chromic catgut is treated with chromium salt solution to resist body enzymes and slower the absorption process thus supporting the wound for longer periods. Chromic gut is chromicised before it is spun into strands. This allows control over the amount of chromic content for an even absorption rate. The chromic content not only increases the tensile strength, but also reduces tissue irritation.
Catgut sutures are sterilized by a sterilizing fluid containing EO, distilled water and isopropyl alcohol.
