Patent ID: 6342187
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
Plasma generating apparatus for sterilization of medical devices and materials, comprisinga chamber having an axial length, and comprising a gas tight chamber wall made of electrically conductive material, the chamber wall being adapted for connection to a reference potential; a chamber door at one end of said chamber's axial length, said chamber door defining an inner door surface, the inner door surface also being adapted for connection to a reference potential; an electrically conductive electrode positioned within said chamber and defining an inner volume, said electrode having a generally similar cross section as said chamber and containing perforations along its length, essentially all of said perforations having a diameter of less than or equal to about 4 mm; a source of RF voltage adapted for application between said electrode and said reference potential; a shelf electrically insulated from said electrode and placed within its inner volume, said shelf configured for receiving sealed gas permeable sterilization containers holding medical devices and materials to be sterilized; and means for evacuating the chamber to a pressure less than or equal to about 0.5 Torr; wherein upon application of the RF voltage at about 0.5 Torr pressure, a plasma glow discharge occurs between said electrode and said chamber wall, while the volume inside the sterilization container remains free of plasma glow.