1211results about How to "Effective sterilization" patented technology

Embodiments of a sterilization apparatus and methods of using a sterilization system are disclosed in the present application. The sterilization apparatus can take the form of a sterilization chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, end walls and side walls which define the interior of the chamber. Throughout the interior of the chamber, multiple ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UVLEDs) irradiate energy at wavelengths for destroying pathogenic substances and achieving an efficient level of sterilization. A UV transparent plate located within the interior of the chamber can support one or more target devices, and can be proportionally sized to accommodate placement of a target device for the simultaneous and uniform distribution of UV sterilizing energy to the surfaces of a target. The sterilization chamber can provide the necessary decontamination and sterilization measures to effectively eliminate any residual biological contaminants on the exposed or hard-to-reach crevices or features of a medical device. Furthermore, one or more interior surfaces of the chamber may comprise a UV reflective material for distributing UV radiation upon substantially all surfaces of a target.

The current invention provides this advance in infection control via its unique application of active sterilization to a catheter or implant. While most catheters, and many implants, are passive devices, the current invention will provide an active component as a integral part of the implanted catheter or device to continuously or intermittently sterilize the exposed surfaces / areas of the device. This active sterilization may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms, including, application of heat, RF, microwave, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation or other energy capable of sterilizing the device or dislodging any problematic Biofilm that may form. The active sterilization may also employ the pumping of a sterilizing chemical from an attached drug reservoir, the use of electricity or freezing temperatures or any other mechanism for either inhibiting, killing or dislodging any infectious material in contact with the implant. One major advantage of this design is that through the use of a small, battery powered or inductively powered sterilization element, the implanted catheter or device can be effectively sterilized without requiring the standard removal surgery, waiting period, then replacement of the infected device. This is expected to translate into greatly improved outcomes (particularly for devices where infection may be catastrophic, ie a prosthetic knee or hip), greatly improved costs, and greatly improved longevity of susceptible devices (ie IV ports, etc.).