Abstract A dry absorbable synthetic surgical element of a polymer subject to hydrolytic degradation to non-toxic, tissue-compatible, absorbable components, such as a polyglycolic acid suture, is package in an air-tight sealed container which is substantially impervious to water vapor such as a laminate film having a metallic foil layer. The gaseous contents of the envelope are, prior to sealing the suture within the envelope, either evacuated or replaced with a gas which is inert towards said surgical element and which is substantially free from water. The water content should be below 0.5 percent by weight of the weight of the surgical element, and preferably is below 0.05 percent by weight. Polyglycolic acid sutures and other elements thus packaged retain acceptable levels of strength for at least one year at storage temperatures of 72*F. and ambient humidity outside the package. The contents may be sterilized by using ethylene oxide.
The method of claim 1 in which the sterile surgical element is a polyglycolic acid suture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 in which the watEr content is less than 0.05 percent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 3 in which the sterile surgical element is a polyglycolic acid suture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for preparing the storage stable surgical element package of claim 3 which comprises additionally flushing substantially all of the gaseous contents out of said container and replacing with a gas which is non-reactive with polyglycolic acid, and sealing said container with an air-tight seal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 3 which comprises evacuating the container before sealing, to form an evacuated package.