Medical instrument shielded container for microwave sterilization

摘要

A container for sterilizing objects contained in a pouch (20, 66) is provided with shield portions (30, 32) having flexible wiping (42) located on at least one side edge portion (44) of a peripheral edge (40) of one of the shield portions (30, 32). The wiping fingers (42) insure that metal-to-metal contact is maintained between the shield portions (30, 32) during sterilization. The pouch (66) is constructed from two sheets (81) of a laminate material, and includes an instrument retaining portion (68) and a fluid retaining portion (70). A water pillow (80) that bursts during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70). Alternatively, a temporary seal (86) that bursts or opens during sterilization is provided within the fluid retaining portion (70) to prevent the premature transfer of a sterilization fluid contained in the fluid retaining portion (70) to the instrument retaining portion (68).