Low temperature plasma sterilising system and method

• Main Authors: Moisan, Michel, Moreau, Stéphane, Tabrizian, Maryam, Pelletier, Jacques, Barbeau, Jean, Yahia, L'Hocine
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 16.03.2004

The present invention relates to a system and to a process for the sterilization of objects, particularly for the sterilization of medical instruments and accessories, by means of gas plasma, which is also called ionized gas. The gases used to produce this plasma need not have an intrinsic sterilizing ability. The sterilizing properties according to the invention result from the passage of the gas or gases through an electric field creating the plasma, which can be created, for example, by microwaves. The advantage of the invention lies in its ability to treat objects that are heat sensitive and heat labile at temperatures below 50° C. and by using gases, which pose no danger to the operator of the system. A system and a method for sterilizing objects, in particular medical instruments and accessories, using gas plasma, also called ionized gas. The gases used to form the plasma do not require to exhibit an intrinsic sterilizing activity. The sterilizing properties result from the passage through an electric field generating the plasma, an electric field which is provided by microwaves, a gas stream including oxygen in molecular form (O) or as a gas element, and atomic or molecular species capable of emitting UV radiation once they have been energized. The system and method provide the advantage of making it possible to treat heat-sensitive and thermolabile objects at temperatures less than 50° C. using gases presenting no risks for the operator.