Chromic surgical sutures are an absorbable sterile suture composed of purified connective tissue derived from either the serosal layer of beef or submucosal fibrous layer of sheep intestines. The chromic gut contains a salt solution to delay absorption. Surgical catgut sutures meet all requirements established by the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P) for absorbable surgical sutures.
Surgical chromic catgut sutures are indicated for use in general, soft tissue approximation and/or ligation including use in ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological procedures.
Absorbable sutures should not be used where extended approximation of tissue is required, as the gut is a collagen-based material and chromic gut is treated with chromic salt solutions.