Plain Gut

Plain Gut suture is an absorbable, sterile surgical suture composed of purified connective tissue (mostly collagen) derived from the serosal layer of beef (bovine) or sheep (ovine) intestines. They are packaged in a formulated solution of isopropanol, water, and triethanolmaine.

Characteristics
Plain Gut ensures

• Purity of collagen for optimal tensile strength and in vivo performance.
• Surface smoothness to facilitate knot run-down and knot strength.

Indications
Plain Gut suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic surgery, but not in cardiovascular or neurological surgery.

Actions
Plain Gut suture elicits a minimal acute inflammatory reaction in tissues characteristic of foreign body response to a substance. This is followed by gradual loss of tensile strength and suture mass, as the enzymatic process dissolves the surgical gut until it is completely absorbed.

Tensile Strength
Many variable factors may affect the rate of tensile strength loss. Some of the major factors can be:

• Type of suture
• Presence of infection
• Tissue sites
• Absorption

Absorption
Absorption of Plain Gut suture occurs by enzymatic process similar to the digestion of an animal protein by the body. Plain Gut is enzymatic, and thus, different influencing factors (see above) make it difficult to indicate the exact designation of absorption time.

Sterilization
Gamma irradiation.

Packaging
Plain surgical gut suture is an undyed natural absorbable suture. It is available is USP sizes 9-0 through 4 (metric sizes 0.4-8). The suture is supplied sterile in precut lengths attached to various needle types in one- to three-dozen boxes, or non-needled on ligating reels.

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phone: (503) 232-1555 · fax: (503) 230-9993