Ethylene Oxide Stagnant Sterilization is one of the most widely used sterilization methods in the health care environment. The EO sterility process has been used by the medical industry to sterilize many medical devices since the late 1940's (Fisher and Halls). While not as well regulated as the processes of today, both the anatomy and the chemistry of the process remain remarkably similar to those of the past. There are a few main differences in the sterilization process that have arisen due to technological changes.
The main difference in the sterilizing processes is the type of medium used. During the early to sterilization processes, the commonly used medium was an osmotic solution containing ethylene oxide. This solution was frequently pumped into the cylinder in order to force the solution through the clogged ring rather than the use of a syringe or tubing. As the ethylene oxide was not particularly effective, there were often very few problems associated with this particular type of sterilant.
As technology advanced and became more complex, new sterilants that became available in the market made it more feasible to utilize the eo gas process. It became necessary to use the eo gas to power the clogging ring rather than the ethylene oxide solution. The new eo gasses allowed for greater control over the amount of solution used as well as more precise dose control. These additional features made it a far more practical solution to the sterilizing needs of the medical industry. The eo gas also became more widely available, making it easier to find equipment that required the use of this method.
Since these changes in the sterilization process, it has become more common to see physicians utilize the flexible endoscopes when performing EO sterilization procedures. The flexible endoscope is capable of being fully customized to the specific needs of any patient undergoing surgery. These flexible endoscopes have become very popular in the medical field and have become a staple of many surgery centers. One of the greatest benefits of these flexible endoscopes is the reduction in trauma associated with the administration of anesthesia.
The flexibility of the flexible endoscopes make them ideal for performing eo sterilization procedures. By having the ability to adapt to the exact anatomy of a particular patient, flexible endoscopes allow for a more thorough surgery which reduces the risk of introducing infections to the surgical site during the procedure. Because flexible endoscopes can be adjusted to different shapes and sizes, they provide a level of customizability that would otherwise be impossible. This increased level of customizability allows physicians to create a unique operating environment for each individual patient. In this way, the flexible endoscopes allow for more personalized surgery and greatly reduces the risk of introducing errors to an already successful eo sterilization procedure.
The higher degree of mobility provided by flexible endoscopes also allows for the faster recovery of an eo sterilizer following its use. The reduced amount of trauma to the area and the increased functionality of the eo sterilizer itself help to shorten the recovery period. This reduced amount of time allows for more accurate surgery with less unnecessary trauma and unnecessary pain.
Another benefit provided by the versatile and highly customizable endoscopes is the ease of use. Flexible endoscopes are designed to fit securely against the skin and are hypoallergenic. They do not require use of any special or personal lubricants, creams or solutions. These devices are completely sealed and airtight, ensuring the protection of the patient's dental implants from moisture and infection. This form of sterilization has no chemicals or foreign objects introduced into the body during the procedure, thereby reducing the risks of allergic reactions, skin irritations and other side effects associated with previous forms of sterilization methods.
It should be noted that the efficiency of the eo sterilization process may depend on the type of implant used. A silicone tube implant may experience a higher level of friction when being inserted than an osterine implant and therefore requires a different sterilization procedure. Also, because silicone is not capable of biocompatibility, it may experience greater resistance than sterile. This higher resistance may decrease the longevity of the device.