TSO3 sterilizer with ozone presents technological breakthrough for medical sector

TSO3, a Québec based company, has perfected a new sterilization process with ozone which fulfil the evolving needs in the hospital environment and the medical sector.

The sterilization market is facing profound change due to factors associated with the technological evolution of surgical instruments, growing environmental awareness and the tightening of safety standards at the hospital workplace.

Sterilization with ozone, a technology which TSO3 is on the verge of marketing, offers major advantages when compared to sterilization methods currently used around the world. The new process of cold sterilization, in addition to being compatible with the new generation of heat sensitive medical instruments, is safe, environmentally friendly and more economical than methods currently used.

The first product developed by TSO3, the 125L Sterilizer with Ozone, truly a technological trampoline for the company, features all the necessary specifications to adequately meet the needs of hospital sterilization centers. The first 125L sterilizer has been under test since December 1999 at the Montreal Heart Institute. TSO3 is concentrating its efforts with an eye to introducing its new technology into five Hospital Centers of Excellence. These centers will test the new technology and thereafter will become technological showcases, focused on demonstrating the advantages of the new process in real time operation.

Sterilization with ozone

Ozone possesses strong oxidative properties which make it a very efficient sterilizing agent. It is equally an inexpensive sterilizing product, requiring only medical grade oxygen and water which is readily available in hospitals. The 125L Sterilizer with Ozone as perfected by TSO3, produces its sterilizing agent itself and releases only oxygen and water vapor into the atmosphere.

Since Pasteur, sterilization by autoclave (steam under pressure) has been established as the leading sterilization process for medical and surgical instruments. However, steam which necessitates temperatures greater than 121 degrees C has a negative effect on heat sensitive materials which are used in the manufacture of the new generation of instruments. One of the major features of sterilization with ozone is that it operates at low temperature.

Another significant advantage of this new technology is its safety for the operator, patients and the environment. According to environmentally conscious groups, the most commonly used method of cold sterilization, that of ethylene oxide presents risks as to the nature of the gas. Ethylene oxide is recognized as carcinogenic and neurotoxic. It is also explosive and is dangerous when manipulated. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an American organization, has indicated a desire in seeing this gas banned. In some American states the use of this gas incurs a tax known as "pollute & pay".

Instruments sterilized with ethylene oxide must as obligated by the standards and regulations of the Canadian Standards Association be ventilated for periods of between 12 to 24 hours. Nevertheless, ethylene oxide residue being released into the environment apparently continues to pose environmental problems.

In addition to representing an advantageous alternative for health and the environment, sterilization with ozone could produce significant savings for its operating facility. The process itself is very inexpensive, likewise its installation costs. The cost of the sterilizing agent for one cycle is 0,10 $ US, (0,15 $ CAN) that of sterilization with ethylene oxide costs 7,35 $ US ( 11 $ CAN). Another process used, combining hydrogen peroxide and plasma costs 8 $ US (12 $ CA) to sterilize a lesser quantity of instruments due to the reduced load capacity of it sterilization chamber.

Sterilization with ozone offers a further economical advantage in respect to ethylene oxide. Its allows for a smaller instrument inventory as the instruments are ready to use upon complete sterilization. The other method requires an aeration period of between 12 to 24 hours, thus necessitating the keeping of larger inventories to assure the constant availability of instruments.

TSO3

The mission of TSO3 is to invent, develop, manufacture and market products and equipment of sterilization with ozone. The company has concluded research alliances notably with, the Montreal Heart Institute, l'Ecole polytechnique de Montréal, STS duoTek of Rush, New York and medical instrument manufacturers. TSO3 also benefits from the imput of a renowned Committee of Scientific Advisers.

The strong marketing and growth potential is highlighted by the backing of major financial partners such as Fonds de solidarité des travailleurs du Québec FTQ and the Company Innovatech Québec et Chaudière-Appalaches. Furthermore, the Montreal Exchange has approved conditionally the listing of units of its Primary Public Offering upon satisfying all the conditions by August 27, 2001.

Established in Québec in 1998, TSO3 consists of 23 employees of which 12 are dedicated to research and development. Mr. Jocelyn Vézina has held the position of President and CEO since the founding of the company. The management team is completed with Mr. Simon Robitaille, Vice-President and Director of Operations and Research, Mr. Marc Boisjoli, Vice-President of Finance and CFO and Mr. Louis Laurin, Vice-President of Marketing.

Source: Technologies of Sterilization with Ozone

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