VICRYL* sutures are intended for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic surgery, peripheral nerve anastomosis and microsurgery for vessels less than 2 mm diameter. The safety and effectiveness of VICRYL* sutures in cardiovascular tissue have not been established.

VICRYL* suture is a synthetic absorbable sterile surgical suture composed of a copolymer made from 90% glycolide and 10% L-lactide. The empirical formula of the copolymer is (C2H2O2)m(C3H4O2)n. Braided VICRYL* sutures are coated with a mixture composed of equal parts of copolymer of glycolide and lactide (Polyglactin 370) and calcium stearate. Polyglactin 910 copolymer and Polyglactin 370 with calcium stearate have been found to be nonantigenic, nonpyrogenic and elicit only a slight tissue reaction during absorption. VICRYL* sutures are dyed by adding D+C violet # 2 (Color Index number: 60725) during polymerisation. Sutures are also available in the undyed form. VICRYL* is available in a range of gauge sizes and lengths, non-needled or attached to stainless steel needles of varying types and sizes. The needles may be attached permanently or as CR-needles (control release), enabling the needles to be pulled off instead of being cut off.