Apparatus and method to deliver sterilants to articles having contact surfaces

Abstract

An apparatus and method for sterilizing devices having contact areas with an antimicrobial fluid such as hydrogen peroxide. If the device is a lumen, the lumen is held in an adaptor which is connected with a vessel containing the antimicrobial fluid. The lumen, adaptor, and vessel containing the antimicrobial fluid are placed in a sterilization chamber. When the sterilization chamber is evacuated, the antimicrobial fluid in the vessel volatilizes, thereby sterilizing the interior of the lumen. The adaptor has one or more features which improve the sterilization of the areas of contact between the adaptor and the lumen. 1. The surface of the adaptor which is in contact with the lumen can be textured or uneven so as to reduce surface contact and enhance bidirectional diffusion of the sterilant. 2. The adaptor can be made of a material which has minimal chemical and physical interaction with the sterilant. 3. The material from which the adaptor is prepared can be permeable to the sterilant so that the sterilant can penetrate the adaptor to sterilize any areas of contact. These features can be used singly or in combination to improve the sterilization of the areas of contact. These modifications can also be applied to any holder for equipment to be sterilized or to a medical device made of two or more pieces where there are contact areas between the parts, such as forceps.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.