Sterilisation systems suitable for clinical use for generating a flow of hydroxyl radicals, comprising: a coaxial transmission line comprising an inner and outer conductor; an end cap mounted on a distal end of the coaxial transmission line, wherein the end cap comprises an outlet aperture; a fluid conduit extending from a fluid inlet to the outlet aperture; and a plasma generating region at a proximal end of the outlet aperture, wherein the plasma generating region contains a first electrode electrically connected to the inner conductor, and a second electrode electrically connected to the outer conductor, wherein the fluid conduit defines a fluid flow path through the device aligned with a feed direction in which fluid is receivable through the fluid inlet, and wherein the first electrode and second electrode oppose each other in a transverse direction across the longitudinal fluid flow path in the plasma generating region.

There is described herein, a plasma device for the generation of oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and methods of generating RONS using the plasma device.

There is disclosed a system and methods for debriding soft tissue from bone using a high-pressure water debridement system. One embodiment includes a cylindrical sleeve bounded by endcaps and having a drainage port positioned for effluent drainage. A central shaft is configured to receive a bone segment and is disposed along a longitudinal center of the sleeve and rotatively coupled between the endcaps. At least one high-pressure water nozzle is disposed on each side of the sleeve, each of which is positioned to impact the bone segment with a high-pressure water stream. A rotational actuator is configured to rotate the central shaft and the bone segment relative to the sleeve and the water nozzles such that when the high-pressure water nozzles are operational, the high-pressure water streams debride the bone segment. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

A bulk HPP container (10) includes a flexible body portion (12) having closed off ends (14), at least one of which is depicted as being recessed to enable the containers (10) to be positioned end-to-end in an efficient manner, for example, when placed into an HPP pressure vessel, such as a wire wound vessel. One or more openings are provided in the body portion of the container with n appropriate closure for pumpable product to enter and exit the container. In this regard, an inlet valve (16) or other type of closure may be located at the opening in one or both of the ends of the container. Also, one or more outlet valves (18) or other type of closure are located at an opening on the body portion (12) of the container for emptying the container, for example, after HPP. The body portion 12) is composed of sufficient flexural strength and sufficient flexural modulus to enable the container to reduce in volume by from 0 to at least 30% while being rigid enough for reuse over a desired number of HPP cycles.

A plasma torch having an open end from which a plasma plume is emitted in use is disclosed. The plasma torch includes a central cathode rod, a grounded conductive tube having an open end and being arranged around the cathode and spaced therefrom to form a first cylindrical cavity open at one end; and a high voltage electrode having a dielectric barrier material at a radially inward-facing surface thereof and being arranged around the grounded conductive tube and spaced apart therefrom to form a second annular cylindrical cavity open at one end. A constant direct current (DC) electrical power plus a high voltage pulsed electrical power is provided to the cathode producing an arc discharge in the first cavity between the cathode and grounded tube to generate a central thermal plasma emitted at an open end of the first cylindrical cavity. A high voltage alternating current electrical power or pulsed electrical power is provided to the high voltage electrode producing a dielectric barrier discharge in the second annular cylindrical cavity to generate a non-thermal plasma emitted from an open end of the second cavity as a halo around the central thermal plasma.

This invention relates to a method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces contaminated with microorganisms and toxic substances to render both inactive. Furthermore, this invention relates to both a method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing breathable air and then using this air to protect a confined space from external contamination. The apparatus consists of a new ultra-violet (NUV) source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm light for destroying DNA of virus, bacteria, spores and cists. It is most effective in breaking chemical bonds in toxic gases and Biotoxins that are useful to terrorists. It is combined with other apparatus that remove particulates and byproducts sometimes produced by the NUV source and maintains positive pressure of the confined space so as to prevent the influx of air from outside the protected zone.

A blood purification system that is capable of notifying any changes in the patient's condition on the basis of noninvasive vital sings of the patient that are observed during the blood purification treatment. An external information-processing apparatus includes an external input device into which a vital sign detected by a detecting device is inputtable in real time; a checking device capable of checking whether or not the vital sign inputted in real time into the external input device satisfies a predetermined condition; and an external output device capable of outputting, if it is determined by the checking device that the vital sign satisfies the predetermined condition, a result of the checking or checked information including the vital sign leading to the result of the checking to a blood purification apparatus. The checked information outputted from the external output device is displayable on a display included in the blood purification apparatus.

A biological indicator is provided for measuring the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. The biological indicator comprises a carrier having a microorganism and at least one of a humectant, anti-agglomerating agent or surfactant disposed thereon, the carrier having a solidity of greater than 5%. Various embodiments of a device, kits and methods are disclosed.

The present invention relates to a blood bag system, a method for its manufacture, and a process for reducing pathogens and leucocytes in biological fluids in particular in therapeutic quantities of platelet concentrates (PC) contained in the blood bag system, using UV-light and agitation, wherein part of the plasma of the PC is optionally exchanged against a platelet additive solution.

A non-thermal plasma for use in the treatment of an infected nail or infected skin. The plasma is used in the method by (a) applying the plasma to the infected nail or skin; (b) rehydrating the infected nail or skin; (c) applying the plasma to the infected nail or skin; and (d) optionally rehydrating the infected nail or skin.

In each of steps (a) and (c) the plasma is applied to a portion of the nail or skin until a hydration level of the plasma-treated portion drops by at most 30 wt % based on the initial moisture content of the plasma-treated portion.