STERIS launches new version of low-temperature sterilization system

STERIS (NYSE:STE) has a launched an enhanced version of a low-temperature sterilization system for surgical instruments.

The Mentor, Ohio, company received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September for its new Amsco V-PRO maX Low Temperature Sterilization System.

The system offers three processing cycles to better accommodate a wide variety of surgical instruments, such as flexible endoscopes, cameras, batteries and cannulas, according to a statement from STERIS.

The system uses a 59 percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide to perform sterilization, which helps better prevent damage to instruments compared with sterilizers that use a higher concentration of the substance.

“The V-PRO maX benefits include potential gains in loading, processing and scheduling versatility, improved workflow speed and efficiency, and precedent-setting low-temperature sterile processing productivity,” said Renee Brown, product manager for the company’s infection prevention technologies division.

STERIS’ shares fell about 5 percent yesterday on heavy volume after the company announced that its second-quarter profits had fallen 17 percent.