Patent ID: 6255627
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A thermal treatment system for thermally treating and ensuring sterility of a sterile medium comprising:a basin recessed within a top surface of a system housing;a surgical drape covering and substantially conforming to said basin to serve as a drape container for containing the sterile medium and at least one medical utensil placed within said basin, wherein said drape provides a sterile field above said basin for maintaining sterility of the sterile medium and said at least one medical utensil; anda heater disposed proximate a floor of said basin to heat the sterile medium and said at least one medical utensil contained within said drape container, wherein said heater is attached and applies thermal energy only to selected portions of said basin floor and said basin floor includes at least one basin floor section lacking coincidence with and direct application of thermal energy from said heater, and wherein said at least one medical utensil contacts said drape container at a location coincident at least one of said basin floor sections to enable said basin to absorb and disperse thermal energy in sufficient quantities to prevent damage to said drape and maintain the sterile field to ensure sterility of the sterile medium when said at least one medical utensil is placed within said basin.