EFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q00175

hi, is it recommended to sterilize artificial valve by e.o. if no why not?
regards. mousa khurs/jerusalem.

Good day Mousa,

The manufacturer of the artificial heart valve is the best resource to answer this question. They have done studies on how the device may be sterilized. This is mandatory before an item may be sold as a medical device. The manufacturer probably has a website that you can find using your favorite internet search engine. You may get a faster answer directly from the manufacturer on the internet than waiting for the sales rep to get you the information you need. I normally insist the sales rep give me the manufacturer's cleaning, preparation and sterilization instructions (including aeration requirements) before considering the sterilization of any new item. If an item requires radiation sterilization, special cleaning or preparation techniques that are not available in my hospital, I can only consider the item being offered by the sales rep if it is single use, and delivered sterile. Ethylene Oxide is effective against a wide range of organisms, with excellent penetration qualities and EtO is compatible with most medical device materials. Ethylene Oxide would not be used if another, safer, sterilant is able to sterilize the device, or if the material reacts with EtO.

Regards
Pete Bobb