Method for sterilizing a medical unit

US5268144A · 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: Jul 29, 1992
• Grant date: Dec 7, 1993
• Expiry date: Jul 29, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D2321/162
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for sterilizing a medical unit having at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the medical 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 medical unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the at least 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 medical unit for a given period of time; PA0 (c) closing the at least 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 medical unit from said system as a sterile medical unit with closed connections. All steps, including the removal of the medical 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.