초록 ▼

This invention provides a process of sterilizing a medical device, and preferably the contents of a sealed container which comprises said medical device, comprising the step of exposing said medical device to monochromatic ultraviolet radiation whereby the Dvalue of Bacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC

This invention provides a process of sterilizing a medical device, and preferably the contents of a sealed container which comprises said medical device, comprising the step of exposing said medical device to monochromatic ultraviolet radiation whereby the Dvalue of Bacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 7953) is at least 23.7 mJ/cm2 monochromatic ultraviolet radiation at 257 nm to the spore. Further, this invention provides a process of sterilizing a medical device comprising the step of subjecting said medical device to monochromatic ultraviolet radiation wherein the minimum total energy density of said monochromatic ultraviolet radiation at 257 nm which reaches the microorganisms present on said medical device is at least 284 mJ/cm2.This invention further provides an apparatus for delivering UV radiation to a medical device for sterilization comprising a laser and a scanner for the laser such that at least 284 mJ/cm2 at 257 nm is applied to a treatment area for said medical device. This invention provides a process and apparatus in which sterilization can be achieved in less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 15 seconds, more preferably in less than 5 seconds. The process and apparatus are efficient and continuous.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A process of sterilizing a contact lens immersed in an aquenous liquid against Bacillus stearotheromophilus (ATCC 7953) to a sterility assurance level of at least 10−9, wherein said contact lens and said aqueous liquid are hemetically sealed in a container consisting of the step ofpenet

We claim: 1. A process of sterilizing a contact lens immersed in an aquenous liquid against Bacillus stearotheromophilus (ATCC 7953) to a sterility assurance level of at least 10−9, wherein said contact lens and said aqueous liquid are hemetically sealed in a container consisting of the step ofpenetrating said hermetically sealed container containing a contact lens immersed in an aquenous liquid with at least 284 mJ/cm2 in the range of 240-280 nm of UV radiation from a monochromatic UV radiation source.