Medical Equipment Packaging
Medical equipment packaging is primarily produced in two forms: “V-Pak” pouches and “Wicket Rolls.” V-Pak pouches are designed for sterilization using ethylene oxide gas, while Wicket Rolls are used for sterilization in steam and plasma environments.
V-Pak medical equipment pouches are widely used in pharmaceuticals and medical treatment, particularly for sterilizing surgical instruments and other operating room supplies.
The front and back of V-Pak pouches are different, with one side made of medical-grade paper and the other side made of transparent polymer film. These two materials are sealed together using heat.
Features of V-Pak Medical Equipment Packaging (Pouches):
- Suitable permeability for sterilization gas and steam passage
- Gamma-ray permeability for sterilizing the contents
- High tear resistance
- Excellent printability
These features are essential in medical equipment packaging because the medical-grade paper allows the passage of sterilizing gases and steam, while the transparent polymer film provides the necessary durability for packaging. Internationally, V-Pak and Wicket Rolls are well-known and widely used for packaging medical and healthcare products.
Features of Medical Paper in V-Pak Packaging:
Medical paper used in V-Pak pouches is made from high-quality white kraft paper, providing significant strength. Another key feature of medical paper is its microporous structure, which allows ethylene oxide gas to pass through for sterilization. Medical papers are categorized for different sterilization uses.
For example, medical paper used in autoclaves can withstand high temperatures produced by steam, which is critical in autoclaving processes where steam sterilizes components.
Common Sterilization Methods in Medical Equipment Packaging:
- Gamma Radiation: In this method, medical products are placed in a completely isolated chamber, and gamma rays are applied to sterilize the items. In this case, medical paper is not necessary, and transparent polymer pouches are more economical and suitable.
- Sterilizing Gas: In this method, ethylene oxide gas is released inside the pouch, sterilizing the medical product.
- Autoclaving: High temperature inside the autoclave chamber allows steam, at temperatures above 100°C, to permeate and sterilize everything inside the chamber. Autoclaves are used in various medical industries, including dentistry and operating rooms. Rolls used in this method are called “Tyvek.”
- Plasma Sterilization: In this method, a chamber with an electric arc is used to create a plasma environment, where electrical currents between the anode and cathode sterilize the medical products.
