Product Manual

The handling properties of the Caprosyn™ sutures were far superior to those of the
Chromic Gut sutures. The smooth surface of the Caprosyn™ sutures encountered
lower drag forces than did the Chromic Gut sutures. Furthermore, it was much easier
to reposition the Caprosyn™ knotted sutures than the knotted Chromic Gut sutures.
In the case of Chromic Gut sutures, it was not possible to reposition a two-throw
granny knot. These biomechanical performance studies demonstrated the superior
performance of synthetic Caprosyn™ sutures compared to Chromic Gut sutures and
provide compelling evidence of why Caprosyn™ sutures are an excellent alternative to
Chromic Gut sutures.
The direct correlation of molecular weight and breaking strength of the synthetic
absorbable sutures with both in vivo and in vitro incubation implies a similar
mechanism of degradation. Because in vitro incubation provides only a buffered
aqueous environment, the chemical degradation of these sutures appears to be
by non-enzymatic hydrolysis of the ester bonds. Hydrolysis would be expected
to proceed until small, soluble products are formed, then dissolved, and removed
from the implant site. In contrast, the gut or collagen suture, being a proteinaceous
substance, is degraded primarily by the action of proteolytic enzymes.
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