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.

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.

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.

Disclosed herein are methods for pasteurizing architectural coating compositions using heat, radiation or other energy sources without additionally polymerizing the compositions and storing same.

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

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

In an embodiment, an apparatus for heat treatment of food product by radio frequency (RF) includes a transmission line having: a center conductor that includes a stack of food product packages, and an outer shield that at least partially encloses the center conductor. An RF connector is electrically coupled with the center conductor and with a source of RF voltage.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for heat treatment of food product by radio frequency (RF) includes a transmission line having: a center conductor that includes a stack of food product packages, and an outer shield that at least partially encloses the center conductor. An RF connector is electrically coupled with the center conductor and with a source of RF voltage.

A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.