Sterilization enclosure for surgical instruments

US11951218B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Stryker Corporation · US

Inventors

• Bruce D. Henniges · Galesburg, US
• Robert W. Childers · Holiday, US
• Erik Vaclav Chmelar · Ann Arbor, US
• Adam Dudycha · Paw Paw, US
• Michael J. Miller · New Lisbon, US
• Ali Moaiery · Kalamazoo, US
• Benjamin J. Purrenhage · Kalamazoo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 6, 2022
• Grant date: Apr 9, 2024
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L2202/24
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A sterilization enclosure to be placed within a sterilizer, the sterilization enclosure defining an interior for accommodating at least one surgical instrument and maintaining sterility of the at least one surgical instrument after the sterilization enclosure is removed from the sterilizer. The enclosure comprising a light source and a transparent window. The light source to illuminate the interior and the transparent window positioned such that the interior and the at least one surgical instrument are visible through the transparent window. A process indicator that is either disposed within the interior or coupled to an external surface of the sterilization enclosure. The process indicator in fluid communication with the interior of the sterilization enclosure such that the process indicator is exposed to a sterilant agent disposed within the interior of the sterilization enclosure to measure a characteristic within the interior during a sterilization process.