Apparatus for steam sterilization of articles having lumens

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for promoting steam sterilization of lumens of medical instruments and similar articles under reduced pressure. A container containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid sterilizing agent solution is attached to the lumen. The sterilizing agent flows directly into the lumen of the article as it is vaporized and the pressure is reduced for a sterilization cycle. A preferred embodiment shows an opener for opening a chamber having a sealed chamber containing a sterilizing agent and a device already attached to the article. Preferably, the opener comprises a hollow spike. The ring between the opener and the chamber must be removed before opening the chamber, and the removal of the ring destroys the ring so that the ring can not be replaced.