Device for vapor sterilization of articles having lumens
US5580530A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2202/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and device for enhancing the vapor sterilization of the lumen of medical instruments and like articles under reduced pressure. A vessel containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid antimicrobial solution is attached to the lumen. The antimicrobial vaporizes and flows directly into the lumen of the article as the pressure is reduced for the sterilization cycle. Preferred embodiments illustrate a sealed chamber containing the antimicrobial and an opener for opening the chamber with the device already attached to the article. Preferably, the opener comprises a hollow spike. A ring between the opener and chamber must be removed prior to opening the chamber and removal of the ring destroys the ring so that it can not be replaced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.