Description
The Medtronic Chromic Gut absorbable suture is available from MedicalEx in the configurations listed below. Uniform treatment with a buffered chromium salt solution slows the enzymatic absorption of the purified collagen strand, giving more predictable strength than plain gut.
- Purified collagen from the serosal layer of beef intestines
- Buffered chromic salt treatment for predictable absorption
- Packaged in 89 percent isopropanol solution to stay pliable
- USP and EP sizes 2 through 7-0
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Main Description
Chromic Gut sutures are composed of purified connective tissue, mostly collagen, derived from the serosal layer of beef intestines. The strands are treated with a buffered chromium salt solution, a uniform treatment that produces a more predictable strength profile and more uniform in-vivo absorption than untreated gut. Each strand is electronically polished for surface smoothness, which facilitates knot run-down and knot strength. The sutures are packaged in a solution of 89 percent isopropanol, 10 percent water and 1 percent triethanolamine to keep the natural strand pliable until use. Medtronic indicates the line for general soft tissue approximation and ligation, including ophthalmic surgery, but not cardiovascular or neurological surgery. Absorption occurs by enzymatic action, so exact timelines vary with tissue site and patient factors.
Features and Benefits
- Chromic treatment – The buffered chromium salt bath is the defining step, moderating the enzymatic absorption that plain gut undergoes.
- Collagen purity – Long ribbons of selected serosal tissue are used to keep collagen purity high for optimal tensile strength and in-vivo performance.
- Polished surface – Electronic polishing of each strand supports smooth knot run-down and dependable knot strength.
- Ophthalmic range – Premium spatula and fine taper configurations serve ophthalmic work alongside general closure sizes.
Product Specifications
Material and Structure
| Composition | Purified bovine intestinal collagen (serosal layer) |
| Treatment | Buffered chromic salt solution |
| Packaging Solution | 89% isopropanol, 10% water, 1% triethanolamine |
| Colors | Undyed (natural tan) |
Performance and Use
| Absorption Profile | Enzymatic process. Rate varies with tissue site and patient factors |
| USP Sizes | 2 through 7-0 (USP and EP) |
| Indications | General soft tissue approximation and ligation, including ophthalmic surgery (not cardiovascular or neurological) |
Packaging and Configurations
| Sterility | Sterile, single use |
| Formats | Needled, pre-cut and ligating reel configurations |
Product Line
| Brand | Medtronic |
| Product Family | Chromic Gut absorbable suture |
Distribution
| Availability | Continental US |
| Package Quantity | bx (per configuration as listed) |
Why Choose This Product
Surgeons who prefer natural collagen reach for the chromic version because the treatment steadies the absorption behavior that makes plain gut unpredictable. The line also reaches ophthalmic spatula configurations, so one gut family covers general and eye sets.
- Predictability upgrade – Chromic treatment is the differentiator over plain gut: slower, more uniform absorption with a more predictable strength curve.
- Traditional handling – Natural collagen handles and ties the way generations of surgeons learned, with an electronically polished surface.
- Broad needle library – Taper, cutting, spatula and blunt point needles cover general, GI and ophthalmic trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the absorption time vary?
Gut absorbs by an enzymatic process similar to digestion of animal protein, and enzyme levels differ by tissue site and patient. For that reason Medtronic does not state one exact absorption day count for this line.
What is the difference between chromic and plain gut?
Both are purified bovine collagen, but the chromic strand is treated with a buffered chromium salt solution that slows absorption and makes strength retention more predictable. Plain gut absorbs more rapidly.
How should sutures be stored?
Store sutures in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light. Use stock in expiry order and do not use any suture whose package is opened or damaged, since sterility cannot be assured.
What do the suture size numbers mean?
USP suture sizes run from fine to heavy: more zeros mean a finer strand, so 7-0 is finer than 5-0, which is finer than 3-0. Sizes then rise through 0, 1, 2 and heavier for large tissue work. The variant label states the exact size of each configuration.
Can a suture be resterilized or reused?
No. These are sterile single use devices, and an opened or expired suture must be discarded. Resterilization is not permitted and compromises both sterility and material performance.
