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Abstract

Processes for fabricating substantially void-free polymeric articles are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer melt is formed followed by extrusion through a die to form a polymeric extrudate. The polymeric extrudate is directly discharged vertically upward into an open-ended mold the open-ended mold having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially vertically. The polymeric article is cooled and removed from the mold. In a further embodiment, a mold is loaded with polymeric particles. The mold is oriented such that its longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. A vacuum is drawn on the loaded mold followed by heating the loaded mold above the melting point of the polymeric particles. After the polymeric particles are melted, the loaded mold is charged with an inert gas to above ambient pressure to collapse any remaining voids. The loaded mold is slowly cooled to form a polymeric article. Oriented polymeric bioabsorbable cannulated surgical articles and a method of making same are provided. Also provided are methods and articles having polymeric material which has been oriented radially and optionally further oriented axially.

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First Claim