초록 ▼

A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical devices and similar instruments having long narrow lumens or diffusion restricted areas includes the step of pretreating the article to be sterilized with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide prior to exposure to a vacuum or a vacuum fo

A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical devices and similar instruments having long narrow lumens or diffusion restricted areas includes the step of pretreating the article to be sterilized with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide prior to exposure to a vacuum or a vacuum followed by plasma. The method is such that, upon vaporization of the solution caused by the vacuum, the hydrogen peroxide remains in contact with the article for a time sufficient to achieve sterilization.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for sterilizing an interior of a device having a lumen, comprising:contacting the interior of said lumen with a liquid solution comprising hydrogen peroxide; andexposing said device to a selected negative pressure and a selected temperature to vaporize said hydro

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for sterilizing an interior of a device having a lumen, comprising:contacting the interior of said lumen with a liquid solution comprising hydrogen peroxide; andexposing said device to a selected negative pressure and a selected temperature to vaporize said hydrogen peroxide,wherein said lumen has a length and diameter which provide the same or more diffusion restriction than provided by a reference lumen 27 cm in length and having an internal diameter of 3 mm, at said selected pressure and said selected temperature,and wherein said hydrogen peroxide vapor diffuses from inside to outside of said lumen, for a time period sufficient to effect sterilization of said lumen by hydrogen peroxide vapor.