Multi-Chamber Medical Package for Simultaneous Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical packaging is inefficient as it requires separate packaging for sterilized and non-sterilized items, leading to increased waste and additional steps in preparation for medical procedures, particularly when different sterilization methods are needed for various medical products.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber package design that includes a first chamber for sensitive items requiring specific sterilization processes and a second chamber for items that can withstand EtO sterilization, with removable webbings for sealing and sterilization purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate packaging is used for sterilized and non-sterilized items, then each item can be properly sterilized, but packaging waste increases and preparation steps multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for sensitive items requiring alternative sterilization, second chamber for EtO-tolerant items) within a single outer package. This segmentation allows different sterilization methods for different items while reducing overall packaging material usage compared to completely separate packages.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple items requiring different sterilization approaches are combined into a single packaging system with internal chambers. The packaging integrates both sterilized and non-sterilized items in one unit, reducing the total number of packages needed and minimizing packaging waste.
2Reliability
If multiple separate packages are used for different medical items, then each item receives appropriate sterilization, but the number of preparation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple medical items are combined into a single multi-chamber package, reducing the number of separate packaging units that need to be opened and prepared. The integrated design allows clinicians to access different items within the same package without requiring multiple separate preparation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The single package is segmented into multiple chambers with different access methods (removable webbings for first chamber, direct access for second chamber), allowing selective access to different items while maintaining a unified package structure that simplifies overall preparation.
3Ease of manufacture
If EtO sterilization is applied to all items, then sterilization is simplified, but pH-sensitive items like saline syringes are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into chambers that physically separate pH-sensitive items (first chamber with removable webbing) from EtO-tolerant items (second chamber). This allows selective sterilization where EtO can be applied to tolerant items while sensitive items are protected from direct EtO exposure through the removable webbing barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable webbing acts as an intermediary barrier between the EtO sterilization environment and pH-sensitive items. It allows the sterilization process to proceed while protecting sensitive contents from harmful EtO exposure, enabling differentiated sterilization approaches within the same package.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-chamber package is described including a first and second chamber, the first chamber having a bottom wall and sidewalls defining a cavity, the second chamber having a partially open bottom wall and sidewalls defining a cavity. A first removable seal is positioned over a top surface of the package, fully covering the first chamber and second chamber, and a second seal is positioned over a bottom surface of the partially open floor of the second chamber, fully sealing the second chamber. A method of packaging medical devices is also described.