US20030192799A1 - Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes - Google Patents
Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030192799A1 US20030192799A1 US10/454,044 US45404403A US2003192799A1 US 20030192799 A1 US20030192799 A1 US 20030192799A1 US 45404403 A US45404403 A US 45404403A US 2003192799 A1 US2003192799 A1 US 2003192799A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- packaging enclosure
- endoscope
- packaging
- enclosure
- hook
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/20—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for incompressible or rigid rod-shaped or tubular articles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00142—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
- A61B1/00144—Hygienic packaging
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00142—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/20—External fittings
- B65D25/22—External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
Definitions
- the preset invention is directed to the field of coverings used to cover medical instruments during sterilization and in storage thereafter.
- An endoscope typically comprises two flexible tubes connected to a body. One of the tubes is for insertion into a bodily orifice and the other typically connects to a light source. After a cleaning of an endoscope such as a sigmoidoscope or colonoscope, the endoscope is typically hung over a peg with the two flexible tubes hanging to opposite sides of the peg. This allows the flexible tubes to hang in a straight configuration. Due to the delicate nature of the fiber-optics in such tubes it is not recommended to coil them for storage.
- a typical endoscope configuration comprises a small rigid control section connected to two flexible tubes.
- One tube comprises an insertion tube that contains a fiber-optic bundle and is usually covered with a sheath of polyurethane or other biocompatible material and contains a bending section that allows articulation or angulation of the insertion tube within human cavities.
- a sterilization procedure instruments are typically placed into a sterile barrier having a semi-permeable membrane.
- a semi-permeable polymer such as TYVEK (registered trademark of E. I. dupont de Nemours Co., Inc.) brand polyethylene nonwoven fabric and a secon layer which may comprise a layer of clear impermeable polymer or another layer of the same or a different semi-permeable polymer.
- TYVEK registered trademark of E. I. dupont de Nemours Co., Inc.
- secon layer which may comprise a layer of clear impermeable polymer or another layer of the same or a different semi-permeable polymer.
- the two layers are sealed together at their edges to enclose an instrument.
- Such pouches are typically rectangular in shape.
- Such a system allows sterilizing gases, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, ethylene oxide or steam, to pass through the semi-permeable barrier to effect sterilization of the instrument therein but prevent microorganisms from entering the pouch after the sterilization process is complete thus allowing storage of the instrument in the packaging enclosure in a sterile manner.
- gases such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, ethylene oxide or steam
- Such a system allows sterilizing gases, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, ethylene oxide or steam, to pass through the semi-permeable barrier to effect sterilization of the instrument therein but prevent microorganisms from entering the pouch after the sterilization process is complete thus allowing storage of the instrument in the packaging enclosure in a sterile manner.
- packages may comprise a layer of foam or other material which is rigid or semi-rigid and which may or may not be semi-permeable.
- the package may merely contain a small window or several small windows of semi-permeable material to allow sterilizing gases to enter.
- Endoscopes such as sigmoidoscopes or colonoscopes have previously been only disinfected and the peg storage system was acceptable in such condition. Many users now demand that such instruments be sterilized, not merely subjected to a high level disinfection.
- the preferred barrier packaging enclosure for sterilization is a pouch, such as the aforementioned pouch, with heat or adhesive sealed boundaries that provides a sterile barrier with mechanical integrity, thereby preserving the sterility of the endoscope during storage of the endoscope after the sterilization procedure.
- a pouch such as the aforementioned pouch, with heat or adhesive sealed boundaries that provides a sterile barrier with mechanical integrity, thereby preserving the sterility of the endoscope during storage of the endoscope after the sterilization procedure.
- such known pouches place the two flexible tubes of the endoscope together in a coiled pattern, and provide no method for storing a sterilized endoscope in an uncoiled or bent configuration.
- the present invention overcomes these limitations to provide a sterile package which allow an endoscope to be sterilized therein and subsequently be stored in an uncoiled configuration by hanging over a peg while still in the package.
- a packaging enclosure packages a flexible endoscope having first and second flexible tubes.
- the packaging enclosure comprises a wall forming an interior space impervious to microorganisms for receiving the endoscope. At least a portion of the wall is semi-permeable.
- a hanging means is provided for hanging the packaging enclosure, with the endoscope therein, over a hook.
- the packaging enclosure comprises a pouch having first and second films adhered to each other to form the interior space.
- the hanging means can comprise an aperture in the packaging enclosure.
- the hanging means can comprise the first flexible tube being receivable within one portion of the packaging enclosure and the second flexible tube being receivable within a second portion of the packaging enclosure and the packaging enclosure with the endoscope therein being drapable over the hook.
- the packaging enclosure comprises a thermoformed tray covered with a permeable lidstock.
- one side of the pouch or the entire lidstock of the tray is formed of a semi-permeable material pervious to sterilizing gases yet impervious to microorganisms.
- such pouch side or lidstock may merely have one or more semi-permeable ports.
- a method according to the invention for sterilizing and storing an endoscope having first and second flexible tubes is also provided.
- the method comprises the steps of:
- placing the endoscope within a packaging enclosure comprising a wall forming an interior space for receiving the endoscope, at least a portion of the wall being semi-permeable;
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a section view taken along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a section view taken along lines 4 - 4 of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a roll of packaging enclosures, each of which comprise a fifth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a front view of one of the packaging enclosures of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the film of a seventh embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 with the film removed to show the interior construction.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an elongated pouch 10 having a front film 12 of a clear impermeable polymer and a rear film 14 of a semi-permeable material such as TYVEK brand nonwoven polyethylene fabric or a medical grade paper.
- An adhesive seal 16 about the outer edges 18 and 20 of the front film and rear film respectively forms a sealed interior space 22 .
- the interior space 22 contains an endoscope 24 having a first flexible tube 26 and second flexible tube 28 attached to a body 30 .
- a portion of the edges 18 and 20 is expanded and contains an aperture 32 therethrough whereby the pouch 10 can be hung on a hook 34 .
- the elongated pouch 10 would also allow the pouch 10 to merely be draped over the hook 34 as is conventional for endoscopes not in pouches.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a further embodiment in which a pouch 40 in which a front film 42 and rear film 44 are not elongated.
- a support member 46 preferably a rigid polymer, is formed into the pouch 40 and allows the endoscope 24 to hang thereover within the pouch 40 .
- the pouch has an aperture 48 for hanging and the support member 46 has a reinforcing loop 50 which extends around the aperture 48 so as to provide additional strength.
- FIG. 5 shows an elongated pouch 60 which allows the first and second endoscope flexible tubes 26 and 28 to be separate to allow draping of the pouch 60 with the endoscope therein over a peg or hook (not shown in FIG. 5). Additionally, a separate hanger 62 with a support bar 64 with an upstanding central hook 66 and two depending clips 68 is provided for hanging the pouch 60 with the endoscope therein.
- a pouch 70 conforms closely to the shape of the endoscope 24 , having a first portion 72 extending over and conforming to the first flexible tube 26 and a second portion 74 extending over and conforming to the second flexible tube. It is shown without the flat seals such as the seal 16 shown in FIG. 1, but such could be substituted. Preferably in the prior embodiments at least a portion of the seal 16 would completed by the user after inserting the endoscope 24 . Such portion could be protected with a release liner over the adhesive prior to use.
- This embodiment illustrates such principle by having a flap 76 covering an opening 78 between the first and second portions 72 and 74 through which the endoscope 24 is inserted. After the endoscope 24 is inserted, the flap 76 is folded over the opening 78 and adhesive 80 thereon seals the endoscope 24 within the pouch.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 show how pouches 90 according to the present invention may be provided on a convenient roll 92 . Any of the prior embodiments could be so provided.
- the pouch 90 has a wider upper portion 94 for receiving the endoscope body 30 and a narrower lower portion 96 for receiving the flexible tubes 26 and 28 .
- a hanger 100 such as the hanger 62 is provided.
- FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show a package 110 comprising a thermoformed base 112 having an upper surface 114 and a recess 116 .
- the recess 116 is shaped to accommodate the endoscope 24 having a first portion 118 for receiving the first flexible tube 26 and a second portion 119 for receiving the second flexible tube 28 .
- a hook receiving aperture 120 is provided for hanging the package with the endoscope 24 therein.
- a semi-permeable film 122 seals to the upper surface 114 of the base 112 to seal the endoscope 24 in the package to allow ingress of sterilizing gases yet impede ingress of contaminating microorganisms.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of a package 126 wherein rather than provide a shaped recess the package 126 has internal peg-like supports 128 formed therein and over which the endoscope 24 may be draped.
- a film 130 comprises a non-permeable substance with a window 132 of semi-permeable material to allow ingress of sterilizing gases.
- the film 122 could be formed entirely of a semi-permeable material.
- the seal can be effected during the sterilization process, such as by drawing a vacuum in the sterilization environment which draws the adhesive opening closed.
- the effect could be enhanced by providing an inflatable ring around the opening which inflates under the vacuum to draw the adhesive edges closed.
Abstract
A packaging enclosure for receiving a flexible endoscope during a sterilization procedure and sterile storage thereafter has a portion thereof which is semi-permeable. Provision is made for hanging the packaging enclosure over a hook or peg. In one embodiment the packaging enclosure conforms to the endoscope so that its two flexible portions may hang over opposite sides of the hook. Alternatively, a hook or aperture may be provided on the packaging enclosure for hanging it over the hook.
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60/114,288 filed Dec. 30, 1998.
- The preset invention is directed to the field of coverings used to cover medical instruments during sterilization and in storage thereafter.
- An endoscope typically comprises two flexible tubes connected to a body. One of the tubes is for insertion into a bodily orifice and the other typically connects to a light source. After a cleaning of an endoscope such as a sigmoidoscope or colonoscope, the endoscope is typically hung over a peg with the two flexible tubes hanging to opposite sides of the peg. This allows the flexible tubes to hang in a straight configuration. Due to the delicate nature of the fiber-optics in such tubes it is not recommended to coil them for storage.
- A typical endoscope configuration comprises a small rigid control section connected to two flexible tubes. One tube comprises an insertion tube that contains a fiber-optic bundle and is usually covered with a sheath of polyurethane or other biocompatible material and contains a bending section that allows articulation or angulation of the insertion tube within human cavities. Connected to the control head, and hanging on the other side, is a universal cord that also contains a fiber-optic bundle and an air-water channel.
- In a sterilization procedure, instruments are typically placed into a sterile barrier having a semi-permeable membrane. One popular form thereof comprises a pouch having at least one layer of a semi-permeable polymer such as TYVEK (registered trademark of E. I. dupont de Nemours Co., Inc.) brand polyethylene nonwoven fabric and a secon layer which may comprise a layer of clear impermeable polymer or another layer of the same or a different semi-permeable polymer. The two layers are sealed together at their edges to enclose an instrument. Such pouches are typically rectangular in shape. Such a system allows sterilizing gases, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, ethylene oxide or steam, to pass through the semi-permeable barrier to effect sterilization of the instrument therein but prevent microorganisms from entering the pouch after the sterilization process is complete thus allowing storage of the instrument in the packaging enclosure in a sterile manner. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many alternative package designs accomplish a similar function. For instance, such packages may comprise a layer of foam or other material which is rigid or semi-rigid and which may or may not be semi-permeable. The package may merely contain a small window or several small windows of semi-permeable material to allow sterilizing gases to enter.
- Endoscopes such as sigmoidoscopes or colonoscopes have previously been only disinfected and the peg storage system was acceptable in such condition. Many users now demand that such instruments be sterilized, not merely subjected to a high level disinfection. The preferred barrier packaging enclosure for sterilization is a pouch, such as the aforementioned pouch, with heat or adhesive sealed boundaries that provides a sterile barrier with mechanical integrity, thereby preserving the sterility of the endoscope during storage of the endoscope after the sterilization procedure. However, such known pouches place the two flexible tubes of the endoscope together in a coiled pattern, and provide no method for storing a sterilized endoscope in an uncoiled or bent configuration. Some operators have even removed sterile endoscopes from rectangular pouches or other barrier systems to hang them on their old peg systems, thus compromising sterility.
- The present invention overcomes these limitations to provide a sterile package which allow an endoscope to be sterilized therein and subsequently be stored in an uncoiled configuration by hanging over a peg while still in the package.
- A packaging enclosure according to the present invention packages a flexible endoscope having first and second flexible tubes. The packaging enclosure comprises a wall forming an interior space impervious to microorganisms for receiving the endoscope. At least a portion of the wall is semi-permeable. A hanging means is provided for hanging the packaging enclosure, with the endoscope therein, over a hook.
- Preferably, the packaging enclosure comprises a pouch having first and second films adhered to each other to form the interior space. The hanging means can comprise an aperture in the packaging enclosure. Alternatively, the hanging means can comprise the first flexible tube being receivable within one portion of the packaging enclosure and the second flexible tube being receivable within a second portion of the packaging enclosure and the packaging enclosure with the endoscope therein being drapable over the hook.
- In one embodiment, the packaging enclosure comprises a thermoformed tray covered with a permeable lidstock.
- Preferably, one side of the pouch or the entire lidstock of the tray is formed of a semi-permeable material pervious to sterilizing gases yet impervious to microorganisms. However, such pouch side or lidstock may merely have one or more semi-permeable ports.
- A method according to the invention for sterilizing and storing an endoscope having first and second flexible tubes is also provided. The method comprises the steps of:
- placing the endoscope within a packaging enclosure comprising a wall forming an interior space for receiving the endoscope, at least a portion of the wall being semi-permeable;
- passing a sterilizing gas into the packaging enclosure; and
- hanging The packaging enclosure with the sterile endoscope therein over a hook.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a section view taken along lines2-2 of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention;
- FIG. 4 is a section view taken along lines4-4 of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a roll of packaging enclosures, each of which comprise a fifth embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 8 is a front view of one of the packaging enclosures of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the film of a seventh embodiment of a packaging enclosure according to the invention; and
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 with the film removed to show the interior construction.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an
elongated pouch 10 having afront film 12 of a clear impermeable polymer and arear film 14 of a semi-permeable material such as TYVEK brand nonwoven polyethylene fabric or a medical grade paper. Anadhesive seal 16 about theouter edges interior space 22. Theinterior space 22 contains anendoscope 24 having a firstflexible tube 26 and secondflexible tube 28 attached to abody 30. A portion of theedges aperture 32 therethrough whereby thepouch 10 can be hung on ahook 34. Theelongated pouch 10, would also allow thepouch 10 to merely be draped over thehook 34 as is conventional for endoscopes not in pouches. - FIG. 3 illustrates a further embodiment in which a
pouch 40 in which afront film 42 andrear film 44 are not elongated. However, asupport member 46, preferably a rigid polymer, is formed into thepouch 40 and allows theendoscope 24 to hang thereover within thepouch 40. The pouch has anaperture 48 for hanging and thesupport member 46 has a reinforcingloop 50 which extends around theaperture 48 so as to provide additional strength. - FIG. 5 shows an
elongated pouch 60 which allows the first and second endoscopeflexible tubes pouch 60 with the endoscope therein over a peg or hook (not shown in FIG. 5). Additionally, aseparate hanger 62 with asupport bar 64 with an upstandingcentral hook 66 and two dependingclips 68 is provided for hanging thepouch 60 with the endoscope therein. - In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a
pouch 70 conforms closely to the shape of theendoscope 24, having afirst portion 72 extending over and conforming to the firstflexible tube 26 and asecond portion 74 extending over and conforming to the second flexible tube. It is shown without the flat seals such as theseal 16 shown in FIG. 1, but such could be substituted. Preferably in the prior embodiments at least a portion of theseal 16 would completed by the user after inserting theendoscope 24. Such portion could be protected with a release liner over the adhesive prior to use. This embodiment illustrates such principle by having aflap 76 covering anopening 78 between the first andsecond portions endoscope 24 is inserted. After theendoscope 24 is inserted, theflap 76 is folded over theopening 78 and adhesive 80 thereon seals theendoscope 24 within the pouch. - FIGS. 7 and 8 show how
pouches 90 according to the present invention may be provided on aconvenient roll 92. Any of the prior embodiments could be so provided. Thepouch 90 has a widerupper portion 94 for receiving theendoscope body 30 and a narrowerlower portion 96 for receiving theflexible tubes hanger 100 such as thehanger 62 is provided. - Other packaging designs may accomplish the same objectives. For instance, although pouches are convenient, one may desire to package the
endoscope 24 within a more rigid container, yet nevertheless allow it to be draped over thehook 34. Preferably such a rigid structure would be polymer based, such as a thermoformed or cold formed plastic material as is generally used for sterile packaging of medical devices. FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show apackage 110 comprising athermoformed base 112 having anupper surface 114 and arecess 116. Therecess 116 is shaped to accommodate theendoscope 24 having afirst portion 118 for receiving the firstflexible tube 26 and asecond portion 119 for receiving the secondflexible tube 28. Ahook receiving aperture 120 is provided for hanging the package with theendoscope 24 therein. Asemi-permeable film 122 seals to theupper surface 114 of the base 112 to seal theendoscope 24 in the package to allow ingress of sterilizing gases yet impede ingress of contaminating microorganisms. - FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of a
package 126 wherein rather than provide a shaped recess thepackage 126 has internal peg-like supports 128 formed therein and over which theendoscope 24 may be draped. Further afilm 130 comprises a non-permeable substance with awindow 132 of semi-permeable material to allow ingress of sterilizing gases. However, thefilm 122 could be formed entirely of a semi-permeable material. - Rather than sealing the
endoscope 24 within a pouch prior to sterilization, the seal can be effected during the sterilization process, such as by drawing a vacuum in the sterilization environment which draws the adhesive opening closed. The effect could be enhanced by providing an inflatable ring around the opening which inflates under the vacuum to draw the adhesive edges closed. - It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only those embodiments described in the Detailed Description. Any embodiment which retains the spirit of the present invention should be considered to be within its scope. However, the invention is only limited by the scope of the following claims.
Claims (12)
1. A Packaging enclosure for a flexible endoscope having first and second flexible tubes, said packaging enclosure comprising a wall forming an interior space impervious to microorganisms for receiving the endoscope, at least a portion of the wall being semi-permeable, and a hanging means for hanging the packaging enclosure with the endoscope therein over a hook.
2. A packaging enclosure according to claim 1 wherein the packaging enclosure comprises a pouch having first and second films adhered to each other to form the interior space.
3. A packaging enclosure according to claim 1 wherein the hanging means comprises an aperture in the packaging enclosure.
4. A packaging enclosure according to claim 1 wherein the hanging means comprises the first flexible tube being receivable within one portion of the packaging enclosure and the second flexible tube being receivable within a second portion of the packaging enclosure and the packaging enclosure with the endoscope therein is drapable over the hook.
5. A packaging enclosure according to claim 1 wherein the packaging enclosure comprises a thermoformed tray covered with a permeable lidstock.
6. A packaging enclosure according to claim 1 wherein the packaging enclosure comprises a sterile container having at least one semi-permeable port.
7. A method for sterilizing and storing an endoscope having first and second flexible tubes, said method comprising the steps of:
placing the endoscope within a packaging enclosure comprising a wall forming an interior space for receiving the endoscope, at least a portion of the wall being semi-permeable;
passing a sterilizing gas into the packaging enclosure; and
hanging the packaging enclosure with the sterile endoscope therein over a hook.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the packaging enclosure comprises an aperture and the hook is placed in the aperture.
9. A method according to claim 7 wherein the first flexible tube is received within one portion of the packaging enclosure and the second flexible tube is received within a second portion of the packaging enclosure and the packaging enclosure with the endoscope therein is draped over the hook.
10. A method according to claim 7 wherein the packging enclosure comprises a pouch.
11. A method according to claim 7 wherein the packging enclosure comprises a thermoformed tray with a permeable lid stock
12. A method according to claim 7 wherein the packging enclosure comprises a sterile container with at least one semi-permeable port.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/454,044 US20030192799A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2003-06-04 | Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11428898P | 1998-12-30 | 1998-12-30 | |
US09/474,141 US6594971B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes |
US10/454,044 US20030192799A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2003-06-04 | Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/474,141 Division US6594971B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20030192799A1 true US20030192799A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 |
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ID=22354350
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US09/474,141 Expired - Fee Related US6594971B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes |
US10/454,044 Abandoned US20030192799A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2003-06-04 | Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/474,141 Expired - Fee Related US6594971B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Sterile packaging for flexible endoscopes |
Country Status (9)
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US (2) | US6594971B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1171368B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4503185B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100763212B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU760907B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2357043C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69938259T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2301258T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000039003A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030168365A1 (en) * | 2002-01-28 | 2003-09-11 | Kaern Viggo Aaberg | Package |
US20070023309A1 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2007-02-01 | General Hospital Supply Corporation | Sterilization pouch for medical instruments and methods of use |
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- 1999-12-29 JP JP2000590924A patent/JP4503185B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-12-29 CA CA002357043A patent/CA2357043C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-06-04 US US10/454,044 patent/US20030192799A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US9241491B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2016-01-26 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Aerosol |
US9138005B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2015-09-22 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Membrane concentrator |
US20080240981A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2008-10-02 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Membrane Sterilization |
US20080199355A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2008-08-21 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Membrane Concentrator |
US20080219884A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2008-09-11 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Aerosol |
US9192164B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2015-11-24 | Saban Ventures Pty Ltd | Membrane sterilization |
US8444919B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2013-05-21 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Space disinfection |
US8591808B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2013-11-26 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Aerosol |
US8591807B2 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2013-11-26 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Membrane sterilization |
US8658089B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2014-02-25 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Membrane concentrator |
US8974737B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2015-03-10 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Space Disinfection |
US20080223404A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2008-09-18 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Space Disinfection |
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US11517387B2 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2022-12-06 | John R Seitz, IV | Multifunctional enclosure for medical probes |
US11931189B2 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2024-03-19 | John R Seitz, IV | Multifunctional enclosure for medical probes |
CN102949170A (en) * | 2011-08-23 | 2013-03-06 | 富士胶片株式会社 | Endoscope and sterilization method thereof |
US20150272680A1 (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2015-10-01 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope transportation instrument |
US11547282B2 (en) * | 2016-05-25 | 2023-01-10 | avateramedical GmBH | Arrangement for the sterile handling of non-sterile units in a sterile environment |
EP3492113A1 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2019-06-05 | Ethicon, Inc. | Sterilization package |
US11399911B2 (en) * | 2018-04-16 | 2022-08-02 | Technoflex | Tray for bag for medical use, tubes and accessories, intended for sterilisation |
JP7338854B2 (en) | 2019-06-24 | 2023-09-05 | 株式会社アダチメディカルレンタルリース | Endoscope sheath packaging bag and endoscope sheath mounting auxiliary mechanism |
US20230044504A1 (en) * | 2020-01-17 | 2023-02-09 | Axess Vision Technology | Medical appliance that can be set down or hung up |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1171368A1 (en) | 2002-01-16 |
CA2357043C (en) | 2008-02-05 |
ES2301258T3 (en) | 2008-06-16 |
JP2002533191A (en) | 2002-10-08 |
DE69938259D1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
WO2000039003A1 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
JP4503185B2 (en) | 2010-07-14 |
KR100763212B1 (en) | 2007-10-08 |
KR20010100010A (en) | 2001-11-09 |
AU760907B2 (en) | 2003-05-22 |
WO2000039003A9 (en) | 2002-08-22 |
US6594971B1 (en) | 2003-07-22 |
EP1171368B1 (en) | 2008-02-27 |
EP1171368A4 (en) | 2004-08-11 |
CA2357043A1 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
DE69938259T2 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
AU2715900A (en) | 2000-07-31 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |