Description
The Medtronic Plain Gut absorbable suture is available from MedicalEx in the configurations listed below. Without chromic treatment, the purified collagen strand absorbs more rapidly than chromic gut, which suits tissue that heals quickly and needs only short support.
- Purified collagen from beef intestinal serosa
- Faster enzymatic absorption than chromic gut
- Packaged in isopropanol solution for pliability
- General and ophthalmic configurations
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Main Description
Plain Gut sutures are composed of purified connective tissue, mostly collagen, derived from the serosal layer of beef intestines. The manufacture starts from long ribbons of highly selected serosal tissue, chosen for collagen purity, optimal tensile strength and in-vivo performance. Because the strand is not treated with chromic salts, it absorbs more rapidly than Chromic Gut, by the same enzymatic process that digests animal protein. The strands are packaged in a solution of 89 percent isopropanol, 10 percent water and 1 percent triethanolamine to keep them pliable in the pack. Medtronic indicates the line for general soft tissue approximation and ligation, including ophthalmic surgery, but not cardiovascular or neurological surgery.
Features and Benefits
- Rapid absorption – The untreated collagen strand is the faster-absorbing gut option for short-support closures.
- Collagen purity – Selected serosal ribbons keep the natural material consistent for dependable tensile performance.
- Polished strands – Surface smoothness supports knot run-down and knot strength in a natural material.
- Ophthalmic options – Fine spatula and taper configurations extend the line into eye surgery sets.
Product Specifications
Material and Structure
| Composition | Purified bovine intestinal collagen (serosal layer) |
| Treatment | None (plain) |
| Packaging Solution | 89% isopropanol, 10% water, 1% triethanolamine |
| Colors | Undyed (natural tan) |
Performance and Use
| Absorption Profile | Enzymatic. Absorbs more rapidly than chromic gut, exact rate varies by site |
| Indications | General soft tissue approximation and ligation, including ophthalmic surgery (not cardiovascular or neurological) |
Packaging and Configurations
| Sterility | Sterile, single use |
| Formats | Needled and pre-cut configurations |
Product Line
| Brand | Medtronic |
| Product Family | Plain Gut absorbable suture |
Distribution
| Availability | Continental US |
| Package Quantity | bx (per configuration as listed) |
Why Choose This Product
For fast-healing tissue, plain gut gives natural collagen handling with the shortest support commitment of the gut family. Services that stock gut for mucosal and subcuticular work keep this line for its rapid, complete enzymatic absorption.
- Shortest gut timeline – The absence of chromic treatment is the point: support ends sooner, which fast-healing tissue does not need prolonged.
- Natural material handling – Collagen strands tie with the feel traditionalists prefer for ligatures and mucosal closure.
- Ophthalmic reach – Fine configurations let eye services source gut from the same family as general surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is plain gut preferred over chromic gut?
Plain gut is preferred when the tissue heals quickly and only short-term support is needed, because it absorbs more rapidly. Chromic gut is chosen when a longer, more predictable support window is wanted.
Does the strand need removal?
No. The strand absorbs completely by enzymatic action, so no suture removal visit is needed for buried or mucosal closures.
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.
