Abstract: A container for sterilizing a medical object and storing a sterilized medical object, the container including: a container body including a first opening in a first end of the container for passage of the medical object into the internal cavity, the internal cavity including a removably insertable platform having a receiving surface to receive and support the medical object, the platform keyed to be retained in a fixed position between the first end of the container body and a second end of the container body; a first seal for closing the first opening; and a vapor permeable sterility barrier for maintaining sterility of the internal cavity and allowing the passage of vapor.

Abstract: A lid for a medical container including a body portion including a locating element, a tamper evident security connector integrally formed with the body portion, the tamper evident security connector including an anchor portion and a frangible portion. The anchor portion can attach to and be retained by an engagement portion fixed in at least one direction relative to the medical container, thereby positioning the frangible portion between the locating element and engagement portion. The frangible portion is adapted to break on relative movement between the lid and the medical container. The lid can be suitable for use in an autoclave, and can be formed from a material or materials that are capable of withstanding a temperature of at least 140° C.

Abstract: A container for sterilising a medical object and storing a sterilised medical object, the container including: a container body including a first opening in a first end of the container for passage of the medical object into the internal cavity, the internal cavity including a removably insertable platform having a receiving surface to receive and support the medical object, the platform keyed to be retained in a fixed position between the first end of the container body and a second end of the container body; a first seal for closing the first opening; and a vapour permeable sterility barrier for maintaining sterility of the internal cavity and allowing the passage of vapour.

Abstract: A container (30) for use in sterilizing an object has a first end (35) and a second end (38). The container (30) is suitably sized to receive an endoscopic telescope (45) for sterilization. Once the endoscopic telescope (45) has been inserted into the container (30), a lid (46) having a vapour permeable section (47) is fitted to the container. The container and object are then sterilized, for example, by autoclaving. After sterilization, use of the container requires a noon-sterile nurse in an operating theatre to push the ends (35, 38) together. A collapsible or deformable portion (42) collapses and the ends (35, 38) move closer together to thereby force the telescope (45) out of the container (30), where is can be removed by a sterile nurse.

Abstract: A method for producing an endoscopic drape includes positioning a portion of a sheath of flexible material (22) in abutment with a joining portion (23) of a first housing piece (14). A joining portion (24) of a second housing piece (16) is positioned close to joining portion (23) and the joining portions are then joined together, for example, by ultrasonic welding. This forms a housing (12) in which the portion of the sheath (22) is entrapped between the first housing piece (14) and the second housing piece (16). The portion of the sheath (22) may be joined to the first housing piece (14) by a thermoplastic gasket or o-ring (35) prior to joining the first and second housing pieces (14, 16) to improve the seal between the sheath (22) and the housing (12). The housing (12) includes a clear lens or window (27) that provides an optical pathway through the housing and also provides a sterility barrier.

Abstract: A method for producing an endoscopic drape includes positioning a portion of a sheath of flexible material (22) in abutment with a joining portion (23) of a first housing piece (14). A joining portion (24) of a second housing piece (16) is positioned close to joining portion (23) and the joining portions are then joined together, for example, by ultrasonic welding. This forms a housing (12) in which the portion of the sheath (22) is entrapped between the first housing piece (14) and the second housing piece (16). The portion of the sheath (22) may be joined to the first housing piece (14) by a thermoplastic gasket or o-ring (35) prior to joining the first and second housing pieces (14, 16) to improve the seal between the sheath (22) and the housing (12). The housing (12) includes a clear lens or window (27) that provides an optical pathway through the housing and also provides a sterility barrier.