Catheter reprocessing and sterilizing system
US5310524A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 10, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2039/1077
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for reprocessing and sterilizing a previously used catheter having at least one lumen is disclosed. The catheter is provided with a housing and enclosed within the housing. Heated sterilant is provided to the housing and the catheter. The lumen is tested during the reprocessing and sterilizing cycle for blockages and integrity. If the catheter is of a type having a balloon tip, the balloon is also tested for integrity by inflating and deflating it a plurality of times. The housing is pressurized to a level above the ambient pressure and maintained at such pressure whereby the sterility of the catheter is maintained for up to one week. Further disclosed is an apparatus for selectively coupling used catheters to a source of sterilant. The apparatus includes a housing having a tray for holding the catheter in place during reprocessing, a door for enclosing and locking the catheter within the housing, and a plurality of valves for coupling the housing to a source of sterilant. In addition, the apparatus includes a cap for maintaining the sterility of the catheter during storage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.