STERILISATION OF SUTURE MATERIAL, ETC. 



79 



water, or by exposure to a temperature of 220° to 230° F. in the 

 autoclave. Immersion for a quarter of an hour in strong carbolic 

 solution is also sufficient. It is preserved in glass holders (see Figs. 

 84—87) in 5 per cent, carbolic solution, or in 1 in 1000 sublimate 

 solution. 



Catgut is deprived of adherent fat by immersion in ether, and 

 after drying is wound on bobbins. These can be sterilised by dry 



Figs. 80, 81.— Lion forceps, with French 

 aseptic joint for cleansing and sterilising. 



heat, and preserved in a strong 

 sublimate or carbolic solution in 

 alcohol or in boiled olive oil. 



Silkworm gut is treated with 

 ether, boiled for half an hour in 

 water, and then placed in tubes 

 containing 2 per 1000 solution of 

 sublimate. 



Paraffined thread is prepared by immersing hemp thread, 

 previously saturated with ether or oil of turpentine, in melted paraffin. 

 To remove any stiffness it may be passed through a cloth before 

 use. This thread is flexible, nearly impervious to organic liquids, 

 and does not cut out rapidly. It is, therefore, especially useful for 

 sutures intended to remain long in position. 



Chinese twist, chromicized gut, tendon, horse hair, silver wire, 



Fig. 77. Fig. 78. Fig. 79. 



Retractors with metal handles for aseptic 

 surgery. 



