Sterilization packaging

Abstract

A sterilization package encloses a device during a sterilization procedure and stores the device in sterile form thereafter. The package comprises a barrier film which defines an interior space and seals the interior space from contaminating microorganisms. At least a portion of the barrier film is formed of a semi-permeable material which is permeable to sterilizing gasses and impermeable to contaminating microorganisms. At least a portion of an outer surface of the barrier film has thereon a friction enhancing material.

1 . A sterilization package for enclosing a device during a sterilization procedure and storing the device in sterile form thereafter, the package comprising: 
 a barrier film defining an interior space;    the barrier film sealing the interior space from contaminating microorganisms;    at least a portion of the barrier film being formed of a semi-permeable material which is permeable to sterilizing gasses and impermeable to contaminating microorganisms; and    at least a portion of an outer surface of the package having thereon a friction enhancing material.    
   
   
       2 . A sterilization package according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier film is flexible.  
   
   
       3 . A sterilization package according to  claim 2  wherein the barrier film is formed of two separate film panels sealed together by a peripheral seal.  
   
   
       4 . A sterilization package according to  claim 3  wherein both film panels have the friction enhancing material thereon.  
   
   
       5 . A sterilization package according to  claim 3  wherein at least one of the film panels consists of the semi-permeable material a portion of which has the friction enhancing material thereon.  
   
   
       6 . A sterilization package according to  claim 1  containing a medical instrument.  
   
   
       7 . A sterilization package according to  claim 1  wherein the friction enhancing material comprises an elastomer.  
   
   
       8 . A sterilization package according to  claim 7  wherein the elastomer comprises silicone.  
   
   
       9 . A sterilization package according to  claim 1  wherein a portion of the semi-permeable material has the friction enhancing material thereon.  
   
   
       10 . A sterilization package according to  claim 1  wherein the friction enhancing material is on the semi-permeable material in a pattern which leaves a portion of the semi-permeable material uncovered by the friction enhancing material.  
   
   
       11 . A sterilization package according to  claim 10  wherein the pattern is uniformly distributed over the semi-permeable material.  
   
   
       12 . A sterilization package according to  claim 11  wherein the pattern is uniformly distributed over the barrier film.  
   
   
       13 . A sterilization package according to  claim 10  wherein the portion of the semi-permeable material uncovered by the friction enhancing material is greater than 25 percent.  
   
   
       14 . A sterilization package according to  claim 1  wherein the interior space is defined by folding the barrier film.  
   
   
       15 . A sterilization package according to  claim 14  wherein the barrier film comprises CSR wrap.  
   
   
       16 . A sterilization package according to  claim 1  wherein a portion of the barrier film is formed of an impermeable material which is impermeable to sterilizing gases and contaminating microorganisms, and the friction enhancing material is located on the impermeable material.