Prismatic source-indicating medical device packaging

Abstract

The present invention relates to a family of medical device packages designed and fabricated to provide instantaneous recognition as to the source and origin of a sterilized medical device stored therein and for passively retaining said medical device and related items in a desired manually accessible location within the package. The invention provides apparatus and methods for safely transporting, storing, identifying source and origin of, opening, packing and unpacking, evenly balanced packages containing sterilized implantable medical devices (IMDs). The packages and methods of the invention also are designed with features and structures that efficiently enhance the mechanical stability of one or more of the packages when stored in inventory at a clinic, in transport, and on an initial packaging site, and promote ease of handling and complement implant procedure efficiency in the operating room.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a family of medical device packages designed and fabricated to provide instantaneous recognition as to the source and origin of a sterilized medical device stored therein and for passively retaining said medical device and related items in a desired manually accessible location within the package. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Containers designed for storing and transporting medical devices and surgical equipment are well known in the art. Generally, these types of containers include a container and a cover with sufficient volume to hold medical devices and components securely. [0003] One of the general requirements for medical device containers is the need to maintain physical protection for a sterilized device package. Specifically, the primary features of most sterilized medical device packages are to provide protection and maintain sterility of the device until final delivery to an operating room. [0004] Due at least in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention relates to a family of medical device packages designed and fabricated to provide instantaneous recognition as to the source and origin of a sterilized medical device stored therein and for passively retaining said medical device and related items in a desired manually accessible location within the package. The invention provides apparatus and methods for safely transporting, storing, identifying source and origin of, opening, packing and unpacking, evenly balanced packages containing sterilized implantable medical devices (IMDs). While diverse IMDs can be securely conveyed within the inventive package, without limitation, the inventive package can be used for implantable pulse generators, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, drug pumps, neurological, muscle and deep-brain stimulation devices, medical electrical leads, stents, and the like. The packages and methods of the invention also are designed with features and structures that efficiently enhance the mechanical stability of one or more of the packages when stored in inventory at a clinic, in transport, and on an initial packaging site, and promote ease of handling and complement implant procedure efficiency in the operating room.

Problems solved by technology

The apertures provide an exit for gases such as ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide or the like that might otherwise accumulate in the interior of the package which could render the package and the IMD unacceptable in certain jurisdictions with strict emission standards.

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