Patent ID: 8017074
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for sterilizing a packaged medical device in a gas-tight sterilizing chamber, the method comprising: placing the packaged medical device sealed within a sterilization packaging into a gas-tight sterilizing chamber that contains air; sealing the sterilizing chamber; evacuating from the sealed sterilizing chamber at least a portion of the air contained in the sterilizing chamber to reach a selected pressure level within the sterilizing chamber; after the sterilizing chamber reaches the selected pressure level, supplying the sterilizing chamber with a selected amount of a NO after supplying the sterilizing chamber with the selected amount of the NO after providing the humidified gas into the sterilizing chamber, performing a dwelling operation at about room temperature for a selected period of time during which the humidified NO removing at least a portion of the humidified NO removing the medical device sealed within the sterilization packaging from the sterilizing chamber.