Gamma irradiation sterilizing of biomaterial medical devices or products, with improved degradation and mechanical properties

摘要

Biomaterial medical devices or products, e.g., absorbable sutures or joint prostheses components, are gamma irradiation sterilized in the substantial absence of oxygen (e.g., vacuum treatment to 5× 10.sup.- 6 torr) while being maintained at a temperature about that of liquid nitrogen, with improved strength loss resistance compared to gamma irradiation sterilization under ambient conditions.