swellable , coated sutures have a swellable polymeric coating and a fibrous component , wherein the coating is formed of an absorbable or non - absorbable polymer , while the fibrous component is formed of a synthetic absorbable or non - absorbable monofilament yarn , synthetic absorbable or non - absorbable braided multifilament yarn , braided silk multifilament yarn or combinations thereof . in certain instances , the coating is used as a carrier for the controlled delivery of different types of bioactive agents , including those having antimicrobial , anti - inflammatory , anesthetic , tissue growth - promoting , and antineoplastic activities .