[H2O2 low temperature plasma sterilization. New possibilities for use with eye surgery instruments]. / H2O2-Niedrigtemperatur-Plasmasterilisation (NTP). Neue Möglichkeiten für den Einsatz augenchirurgischer Instrumente.

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.

[Importance of diagnosis and preoperative care of the conjunctiva]. / Die Bedeutung von Diagnostik und präoperativer Vorbereitung der Bindehaut.

The conjunctival smear is an important part of preoperative diagnosis. Although the method is very easy there are many possible sources of error. The validity of smear results was studied; the sources of error are discussed in the present paper. The different bacterial flora of the conjunctival sac and the lid margin were investigated. It was shown that eye drop dispensers become contaminated during use. The use of single-dose Ophtiolen has the advantage--in addition to improved hygiene, that no stabilizing agents are used. Preoperative efforts to achieve asepsis have to be continued during the operation. A new adhesive tape specially developed for ophthalmic surgery has been found very effective. This new tape is described.

[Suitability of different procedures for the sterilization of microsurgical instruments. A review of current and future procedures]. / Eignung verschiedener Verfahren zur Sterilisation von mikrochirurgischen Instrumenten. Ein Uberblick über bisherige und zukünftige Verfahren.

A review of common methods of sterilization is presented. The principles of operation of steam, hot-air, and gas sterilizers, as well as that of a completely new method which uses H2O2 plasma, are described. The suitability of these methods for sterilizing microsurgical instruments was studied. This paper deals in particular with hot-air sterilization, which is preferred because of the low humidity involved. This method was investigated by recording temperature curves during sterilization. Sterilization with hot steam (autoclaving) has been shown to damage instruments by causing corrosion, to which the types of steel used to make these instruments are highly susceptible. A H2O2 plasma sterilization method is described which operates at low temperatures and with very low humidity. Its suitability for microsurgical instruments has been investigated.

[Perioperative prevention in ophthalmologic microsurgery]. / Perioperative Prophylaxe in der ophthalmologischen Mikrochirurgie.

The possible causes of intraocular infections after microsurgical operations on the eye are discussed. Extensive experiments were carried out to investigate infection caused by the patient himself, by the surgeon and by the surgical surroundings. To consider the different aspects involved in "perioperative prophylaxis", we examined the preoperative, intra- and postoperative periods. Conjunctival diagnostics, disinfection of the conjunctival sac, and the operating area were investigated for the preoperative period. Microbiological examinations were carried out to check the possibility of contamination of eye drops, the operating theatre equipment, and of microscopes, etc. The sterilization of microsurgical instruments using different procedures was checked in particular. During the intraoperative period surgical clothing like face masks, gloves and gowns were examined. Sterile sheets for the patient, including an analysis of the respiratory air under the sheet, were monitored. The results are evaluated with respect to their significance for perioperative prophylaxis and the practical consequences for optimal prevention of infection.