Multi-compartment package assembly for medical implements

A multiple compartment package for medical implements, wherein the package includes an intermediate product having a polymeric first sheet, and a gas permeable bacteria resistant second sheet overlaying the first sheet to define first and second ends of the intermediate product, and third and fourth ends of the intermediate product interconnecting the first and second ends, the first and second sheets being releasably sealed together to define first and second sealed regions of a perimeter sealed region that are formed along portions of the respective third and fourth ends of the intermediate product, and releasably sealed together to define intermediate sealed regions formed in an intermediate region of the intermediate product, the first and second intermediate sealed regions of the perimeter sealed region having a first width greater than a second width of each intermediate sealed region, wherein the intermediate sealed regions comprise at least one longitudinal intermediate sealed region which extends in a longitudinal direction, and at least one transverse intermediate sealed region which extends in a transverse direction, wherein the intermediate sealed regions are arranged relative to the first and second sealed regions of the perimeter sealed region to define a plurality of compartments having compartment openings that face at least one of the first end and the second end of the intermediate product, the package made by a process comprising:

• inserting at least one first medical implement into at least one first compartment that has an opening facing either of the first or second ends of the intermediate product;
• forming a third sealed region of the perimeter sealed region that intersects the first and second sealed regions to close the opening of the at least one first compartment;
• inserting at least one second medical implement into at least one second compartment that has an opening facing the other of the first or second ends of the intermediate product;
• and
• forming a fourth sealed region of the perimeter sealed region that intersects the first and second sealed regions to close the opening of the at least one second compartment, whereby a final product of the package is formed.

A method of packaging medical implements comprising the step of forming an intermediate product of a multiple compartment package by the steps of:

• providing a polymeric first sheet, and a gas permeable bacteria resistant second sheet overlaying the first sheet to define first and second ends of a unit, and third and fourth ends of the unit interconnecting the first and second ends;
• releasably sealing the first and second sheets together to define first and second portions of a perimeter sealed region formed along portions of the third and fourth ends of the unit;
• and
• releasably sealing the first and second sheets together to define intermediate sealed regions formed in an intermediate region of the sheets, the first and second sealed regions of the perimeter sealed region having a first width greater than a second width of each intermediate sealed region, wherein the intermediate sealed regions comprise at least one longitudinal intermediate sealed region which extends in a longitudinal direction along the third and fourth ends, and at least one transverse intermediate sealed region which extends in a transverse direction along the first and second ends, wherein the intermediate sealed regions are arranged relative to the perimeter sealed region to define a plurality of compartments having compartment openings that face at least one of the first end and the second end of the unit, whereby an intermediate product of a package is formed.