[H2O2 low temperature plasma sterilization. New possibilities for use with eye surgery instruments].

The H2O2-low-temperature-plasma-sterilization (STERRAD 100) works with a temperature below 50 degrees C (140 degrees F). This system is appliable for thermostabile materials as well as for thermolabile materials. The efficancy of this new system is shown by a biological test with Bacillus pumilus spores. 5 typical ophthalmic surgical instruments were contaminated. After sterilization the numerical reduction of the microorganisms had to be at least 6 log levels. Corrosion caused by hydrogene peroxide was excluded after exposing steal with a high quantity of this substrate. Electromicroscopy analysations of the surfaces of stainless steal after LTP, steam sterilization and hot-air sterilization are compared. Options and limitations of this new sterilization technique are discussed. A newly developed operating system with a complete instrumental box (OP-Set) will be introduced.