Patent ID: 8747739
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: A61B,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for maintaining disinfection of medical equipment following processing thereof, comprising placing disinfected equipment in a sealed chamber comprising a reusable tray having a rigid construction, and having a downwardly-dished, inner compartment defined by a generally planar base and surrounding walls upstanding thereform; and a protective cover comprising a rigid lid having tapered edges engaging with complementary tapered edges provided on the walls of the tray, thereby to provide a substantially gas-tight seal; wherein at least one of said tray and said cover has a valve for connection to a disinfection maintenance station comprising a suction device and a vessel for a disinfectant; and wherein the tray is housed within an oxygen-impermeable pouch, also having a valve for connection to said disinfection maintenance station, and arranged to communicate with said valve in at least one of said tray and said cover, and subsequently performing the following steps: (A) reducing pressure within the sealed chamber using said suction device, thereby to cause evaporation of residual moisture; (B) removing atmospheric oxygen from the sealed chamber, thus further reducing pressure within the sealed chamber, using a gas scavenger present in at least one sachet; (C) charging the sealed chamber with a disinfectant from said vessel, said disinfectant being selected from a disinfectant gas and a disinfectant vapour; and subsequently maintaining a biostatic environment within the sealed chamber, whereby viable inter-procedural disinfected storage time for said medical equipment is greater than 3 hours.