Abstract: A rack and “U-shaped” stringers for use in stringing of ring-handled medical instruments in preparation for at least one of an assembly operation, an assembly count operation, a storage procedure, a decontamination operation, a sterilization process, and/or a disinfection operation, involving such instruments.

Abstract: A composition and method of treatment for handling potential prion contamination of surfaces is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition and method of treatment for handling potential prion contamination of surfaces is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assessing the efficiency of a cleaning operation and assessing likely residual contamination on substrates after a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A method of assessing the efficiency of a cleaning operation and assessing likely residual contamination on substrates after a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A composition and method of treatment for handling potential prion contamination of surfaces is disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization container, insert therefor, and systems are described, wherein at least one of the container or the insert therefor at the contact point between them is constructed of a conductive, non-corrosive material, most preferably stainless steel, while the bulk of the container or insert therefore is constructed of a non-conductive material, most preferably anodized aluminum. The container, insert, and whole systems are suitable for use in gas plasma sterilization procedures, but especially in those procedures that include a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma “express” cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for sterilizing medical instruments and, in particular, to a sterilization container useful for flash sterilization that includes a thermostatically controlled valve that permits maximum steam or gas sterilant penetration and prevents microorganisms and dust from entering. The thermostatic valve also allows storage of sterilized contents and reduces moisture within the sterilization container.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container(10) comprises a pan(12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter is composed of a material which will allow the pressurized steam to pass through but which is relatively impervious to dust and microorganisms thereby maintaining the sterility of the interior of the container and its contents.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. Items which require “stat” sterilization can be placed in a basket (80) with a plurality of vent holes (83) which further limits the amount, and therefore the whole mass, of the instruments placed into the container for sterilization and significantly decreases the time required for sterilization. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein.

Abstract: A sterilizable bracket (10) for supporting medical instruments (22) includes a resilient body (12) that surrounds and encapsulates a relatively rigid metal skeleton (14) which is attached to a plurality of studs (16) which secure the bracket (10) to a sterilizable tray (18). instruments (22) are received in indentations (24) in the resilient body (12). Each indentation (24) includes a plurality of ribs or fingers (28) which permit sterilizing steam to flow around the instruments (22). The resilient body (12) comprises a silicone material which encapsulates the skeleton backbone (14) which, in turn, gives the bracket (10) strength and flexibility. Threaded studs (16) having a slot (46) at one end and threads (50) at the other are employed to attach the bracket (10) to the sterilizable tray (18). The slot (46) in the head (44) of each of the studs (16) receives the metal skeleton backbone (14).

Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container in then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein. After sterilization, the container (10) is removed from the autoclave and any remaining steam escapes from the interior of the container through the filter (20).

Abstract: An acetabular reamer includes a base, a first set of semi-circular blades attached to the base, and a second set of semi-circular blades also contacting the base, and crossing and intersecting with the first set of blades at right angles thereto. The base preferably includes a circular plate having a hexagonal drive hole in the center thereof and a plurality of slots in the periphery thereof for anchoring the blades. Each semi-circular blade includes a first end having a projection thereon, a second end opposite from said first end and also having a projection thereon, a first edge having serrated cutting teeth thereon, a second edge opposite from said first edge, and a first and second side surface. The cutting edge of the first set of blades includes a plurality of outwardly facing slots which mate with and engage a second set of inwardly facing slots in the second edge of said second blades.

Abstract: A sterilizable silicone mat (10) includes a repeating S shaped rib structure (38) on the bottom surface (28) that aligns the mat (10) with steam apertures (20) in a support tray (12) and facilitates maximum steam penetration and optimum water drainage while reducing condensate. The mat body (26) includes a top surface (24) and a bottom surface (28) and a plurality of steam penetration holes or apertures (40). Each steam penetration hole (40) is surrounded by four instrument supporting finger-like structures (30) located on the top surface (24) of the mat (10). The four fingers (30) that surround each steam penetration hole (40) are located at 90 degrees with respect to each other. A plurality of S shaped rib structures (38) are located on the bottom surface (28) of the mat (10). Each S shaped rib (38) separates two adjacent steam holes (46) and includes a nub (42) at the distal ends of each S shaped rib (38) for engaging some of the steam penetration holes (20) in the bottom (18) of the tray (12).

Abstract: An acetabular reamer includes a base, a first set of semi-circular blades attached to the base, and a second set of semi-circular blades also contacting said base, and crossing and intersecting with said first set of blades at right angles thereto. The base preferably comprises a circular plate having a hexagonal drive hole in the center thereof and a plurality of slots in the periphery thereof for anchoring the blades. Each semi-circular blade includes a first end having a projection thereon, a second end opposite from said first end and also having a projection thereon, a first edge having serrated cutting teeth thereon, a second edge opposite from said first edge, and a first and second side surface. The cutting edge of the first set of blades includes a plurality of outwardly facing slots which mate with and engage a second set of inwardly facing slots in the second edge of said second blades.