Ethicon | Surgical Chromic Gut Suture | Natural Absorbable | U246H | Deep Cavity Taper Point UR-5

The Ethicon U246H is a high-performance, sterile, natural absorbable surgical suture manufactured from purified connective tissue, consisting primarily of collagen derived from the mucosal fibrous layer of sheep (ovine) or the serosal layer of beef (bovine) intestines. As a flagship configuration within Ethicon's classic Surgical Gut portfolio, this strand is treated with a specialized chromic salt bath. This chromic tanning process creates deep molecular cross-links that delay enzymatic cellular degradation in vivo. This effectively extends the suture's structural support window within active tissue beds while reducing the acute localized inflammatory reaction compared to plain, untreated natural gut.

A distinguishing feature of the U246H code is its pairing with a high-leverage 36 mm UR-5 (Urology-5) style needle. Featuring a distinct 5/8 circle curvature geometry, this taper point needle is engineered explicitly for tight-radius maneuvering within highly confined deep anatomical corridors where standard 1/2 circle needles lack the curvature to turn out of the tissue cleanly. Combined with a heavy, high-tensile size 0 thickness profile, it stands as an exceptional procurement selection for specialized pelvic, urological, and deep reproductive tissue reconstructions.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Ethicon (Johnson and Johnson Medical Division)

• Product Brand Family: Surgical Gut Suture Portfolio (Chromic Matrix Presentation)

• Product Catalog Code (MPN): U246H

• Suture Material Composition: Purified Natural Collagen (Processed Chromic Gut)

• Strand Structural Construction: Monofilament-processed finish (Smooth organic ribbon alignment)

• Thread Sizing Profile: Size 0 Suture (Heavy-duty USP 0 Gauge / Metric 3.5)

• Suture Length Dimension: 27 inches (Approximately 70 cm single continuous strand)

• Color Pigment Profile: Naturally Brown / Undyed

• Needle Type Classification: UR-5 Taper Point (Round body profile, completely non-cutting geometry)

• Needle Curvature Geometry: 5/8 Circle extra-deep curvature tracking radius

• Needle Length Profile: 36 mm structural length

• Packaging Matrix Configuration: Standard box containing 36 sterile individual suture packets (H-box distribution unit)

• Absorption Profile Cycle: Gradually breaks down via natural in vivo proteolytic enzymatic digestion, yielding complete mass absorption within approximately 90 days following initial implantation

• Tensile Strength Retention Profile: Delivers reliable mechanical support through early healing intervals, maintaining active structural holding power for approximately 14 to 21 days post-op (extending up to 28 days depending on localized tissue vascularity and enzyme concentration)