Patent ID: 6451254
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: A01N,A61L

Abstract:
A method for enhancing the sterilization of a lumen device with a vapor sterilant comprising sterilant and water in a chamber, wherein said sterilant has a lower vapor pressure than water, said lumen device having an exterior and an interior and said vapor sterilant having a vapor pressure, the method comprising:introducing said sterilant into said chamber from a source of said sterilant, thereby forming said vapor sterilant; condensing said vapor sterilant in said chamber, thereby forming a condensed vapor; reducing the pressure in said chamber to below the vapor pressure of the vapor sterilant, thereby revaporizing said condensed vapor to form a revaporized sterilant having a higher concentration of said sterilant than before the condensing step; and maintaining at least a portion of said device in the presence of said revaporized sterilant and in the absence of liquid sterilant until said device is sterilized.