An implantable article comprising a dissolvable sponge derived from the mixture of chitosan, a first polysaccharide and a second polysaccharides. The polysaccharides have different number average molecular weight characteristics to enable the control of the mechanical features of the sponge.

A powered surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a sensor configured to output a signal, an elongate shaft, and a handle is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a channel, a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a firing member configured to be driven during a firing stroke. The firing member experiences a pushing force during the firing stroke and comprises a knife portion, a first camming member configured to engage the first jaw, a second camming member configured to engage and position the second jaw. The handle comprises a motor, a battery, means for detecting the pushing force of the firing member, and a control unit configured to receive the signal from the sensor. The control unit includes a microprocessor which utilizes a pulse width modulation circuit to control the motor based on the signal received from the sensor.

A process for the preparation of a sterilized ceramic body including or essentially consisting of stabilized zirconia of a defined colour, including the steps of: providing a ceramic primary body including or essentially consisting of stabilized zirconia of a first colour A, and sterilizing the primary body using radiation sterilization whereby the primary body undergoes a colour change to a colour B. The process includes the further step of irradiating the sterilized primary body with electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength lying in the wavelength band ranging from 150 nm to 700 nm to induce an at least partial reversal of the colour change to obtain a colour C of the sterilized ceramic body, the colour C complying with the following requirements in the CIELAB colour space: L* being from 54 to 95, a* being from −15 to 15 and b* being from −15 to 15.

A process for the preparation of a sterilized ceramic body including or essentially consisting of stabilized zirconia of a defined colour, including the steps of: providing a ceramic primary body including or essentially consisting of stabilized zirconia of a first colour A, and sterilizing the primary body using radiation sterilization whereby the primary body undergoes a colour change to a colour B. The process includes the further step of irradiating the sterilized primary body with electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength lying in the wavelength band ranging from 150 nm to 700 nm to induce an at least partial reversal of the colour change to obtain a colour C of the sterilized ceramic body, the colour C complying with the following requirements in the CIELAB colour space: L* being from 54 to 95, a* being from −15 to 15 and b* being from −15 to 15.

The present invention relates to methods for making wear and oxidation resistant polymeric materials by high temperature melting. The invention also provides methods of making medical implants containing cross-linked antioxidant-containing tough and ductile polymers and materials used therewith also are provided.

The present invention relates to methods for making wear and oxidation resistant polymeric materials by high temperature melting. The invention also provides methods of making medical implants containing cross-linked antioxidant-containing tough and ductile polymers and materials used therewith also are provided.

A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

The present invention relates to a method and system for aseptically filling of flexible packages containing dry cloth. Such a method may include a first stage that is performed in a non-sterile environment. The first stage may include cutting a first substantially dry cloth to a predetermined size; inserting the first cloth into a flexible package; sealing a first end of the flexible package; and sterilizing the flexible package. The method may also include a second stage performed in a sterile environment. The second stage may include filling the flexible package with a medical solution such that the substantially dry cloth absorbs at least a portion of the medical solution; and sealing the open end of the flexible package.

The present invention relates to a method and system for aseptically filling of flexible packages containing dry cloth. Such a method may include a first stage that is performed in a non-sterile environment. The first stage may include cutting a first substantially dry cloth to a predetermined size; inserting the first cloth into a flexible package; sealing a first end of the flexible package; and sterilizing the flexible package. The method may also include a second stage performed in a sterile environment. The second stage may include filling the flexible package with a medical solution such that the substantially dry cloth absorbs at least a portion of the medical solution; and sealing the open end of the flexible package.

A product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of the product by ionizing radiation sterilization methods is provided. The method includes providing a package that includes a layer having an oxygen transmission rate equal to or less than about 10 cubic centimeters of oxygen per 100 inches squared per 24 hours; providing a product in the package's interior; applying a vacuum to the exterior of the package in a controlled atmosphere until a vacuum pressure equal to or less than about 250 millibars is achieved; flushing the interior of the package with an inert gas until an inert gas flush pressure equal to or less than about 750 millibars is achieved; sealing the package; releasing the vacuum applied in the controlled atmosphere; and sterilizing the package/product with radiation. The resulting product has a reduction in its tensile strength of less than about 18.5% after sterilization.