Apparatus for sterilizing a medical unit

US5147613A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Fresenius AG · DE

Inventors

• Klaus Heilmann · Sankt Wendel, DE
• Bernd Mathieu · Spiesen, DE
• Michael Rink · Gerlingen, DE
• Wolfram Weber · Friedrichsthal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 2, 1990
• Grant date: Sep 15, 1992
• Expiry date: Nov 2, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D2321/08
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method for sterilizing a medical unit comprising at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the unit. Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of: PA0 (a) inserting the unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions; PA0 (b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the unit for a give period; PA0 (c) closing the two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and PA0 (d) removing said unit from said system as a sterile unit with closed connections. All steps, including the removal of the unit, are therefore carried out in a system where the sterility obtained is constantly maintained. This "inline sterilization" guarantees a high degree of sterility of the medical units treated.