Abstract: Systems for sterilization of tissues, including acellular tissue matrices, comprising a package having a portion permeable to supercritical carbon dioxide and a portion impermeable to moisture are described. Methods of sterilizing acellular tissue matrices from soft tissues or demineralized bone are provided.

Abstract: Systems for sterilization of tissues, including acellular tissue matrices, comprising a package having a portion permeable to supercritical carbon dioxide and a portion impermeable to moisture are described. Methods of sterilizing acellular tissue matrices from soft tissues or demineralized bone are provided.

Abstract: Systems for sterilization of tissues, including acellular tissue matrices, comprising a package having a portion permeable to supercritical carbon dioxide and a portion impermeable to moisture are described. Methods of sterilizing acellular tissue matrices from soft tissues or demineralized bone are provided.

Abstract: A needle holder includes a base holder with a plurality of sockets therein for receiving and removably retaining the base of a needle in one of the sockets. A tip holder portion has a plurality of hollows therein in a common plane for receiving and removably retaining the tip of the needle. A stretcher member extends between the base holder and the tip holder and is preferably flexible to increase the variety of needle dimensions that can be accommodated in the holder. The needle holder is particularly suitable for the type of needle used in meniscal repair.

Abstract: A needle holder includes a base holder with a plurality of sockets therein for receiving and removably retaining the base of a needle in one of the sockets. A tip holder portion has a plurality of hollows therein in a common plane for receiving and removably retaining the tip of the needle. A stretcher member extends between the base holder and the tip holder and is preferably flexible to increase the variety of needle dimensions that can be accommodated in the holder. The needle holder is particularly suitable for the type of needle used in meniscal repair.

Abstract: A method for making a suture package includes injection molding a shallow polymer tray for holding a suture. Fenestrations formed in a substantially flat floor area of the package cause the package to lay flat by interrupting material stresses set up by, e.g., differential cooling during injection molding.

Abstract: A suture package having a shallow polymer tray for holding an armed suture has a substantially flat floor area, an exterior surface of which defines at least a portion of a rear surface of the package. A front cover forms a front surface of the package and a needle park is disposed on the floor area for holding a surgical needle of the armed suture. The floor area has a window therethrough proximate the needle park. The front cover terminates proximate the needle park to provide an access opening to the needle. The window and the access opening permit the needle to be grasped by a needle holder and to be withdrawn from the package. Because the package has an opening on both the front and rear surfaces for viewing and removing the needle, curved needles may be stored therein in a conventional orientation, i.e., to serve right-handed physicians while at the same time accommodating dispensing from the rear to provide a suitable needle orientation for use by left-handed surgeons.

Abstract: A suture package having a shallow polymer tray for holding a suture. The package has a substantially flat floor area, an upturned edge and a plurality of fenestrations therein. The fenestrations cause the package to lay flat by interrupting material stresses set up by, e.g., differential cooling during injection molding. The flatness of the package promotes automated package handling by machines. The fenestrations also save on material usage and disposal while providing the necessary structural integrity for the package.