Gut absorbable sterile surgical sutures are composed of purified connective tissue (mostly collagen) derived from the serosal layer of beef (bovine) intestines. They are packaged in a solution of 89% isopropanol, 10% water and 1% triethanolmaine. Chromic gut sutures are treated with chromic salt solution and mild chromic sutures are specially treated for ophthalmic and cuticular applications. Gut sutures are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic surgery.