Abstract: A vacuum storage system (40) for storing an article, comprises a sealable outer chamber (30) and a sealable inner chamber (20). The sealable outer chamber (30) has an evacuation valve (21) for connection to a suction device (48) for evacuation of said outer chamber (30). The sealable inner chamber (20) is adapted to receive said article and has a one-way valve (13) in communication with the outer chamber (30). The one-way valve (13) is adapted to open upon the application of suction to the outer chamber (30), thereby to enable evacuation of said inner chamber (20), but to close upon discontinuation of said suction.

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A medical accessory holder (10) is provided, for use during reprocessing and/or conditioning of medical equipment. The holder comprises a planar base portion (11). At least one recess (12, 13, 14) is provided in the planar base portion, and is adapted to receive a medical accessory (15, 16, 17) firmly engaged therein. The holder (10) further comprises retaining means (22) associated with the base portion (11) and adapted to engage therewith. Once engaged, the retaining means (22) cannot be disengaged, and the medical accessory (15, 16, 17) cannot be removed from the recess (12, 13, 14), without breaking the retaining means (22), thereby rendering the holder suitable only for single use. Attachment means (26) are further provided to enable the holder (10) to be secured to an article of medical equipment with which the medical accessory (15, 16, 17) is associated, during reprocessing thereof.

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).

Abstract: A medical accessory holder (10) is provided for use during processing of medical equipment. The holder (10) comprises a tray portion (11), retaining means (16, 17) associated with the tray portion (11), and securing means (13) provided on the tray portion (11). The retaining means (16, 17) are adapted to engage with a medical accessory (20) such that, once engaged, the medical accessory (20) cannot be disengaged without breaking the medical accessory holder (10), thereby rendering the holder (10) suitable only for single use. The securing means (13) enable the holder (10) to be secured to an article of medical equipment with which the medical accessory (20) is associated, during processing thereof.

Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).