Sterile environment enclosure

Abstract

An enclosure which provides a sterile environment for insertion of a catheter, attachment of an iv setup and the like and in another embodiment for sterile maintenance of a localized surgical site. The enclosure in both embodiments is comprised of a sterile transparent dome section comprised of a medically inert and acceptable resilient or rubber-like plastic material such as polyurethane, PVC or polyethylene, with a flat flange section peripherally situated around the base of the dome and extending away from the enclosure. The flange section comprises an adhesive section on the underface thereof whereby the dome can be sealingly and hermetically removably adhered to the skin of a patient to enclose a portion of a patient's skin in a controllable environment. The dome is provided with preformed apertures into which connection elements such as Luer lock fittings are inserted for sealed inlet connection to an oxygen source and an outlet, for infusion of sterilizing oxygen (the inlet being of smaller diameter to prevent pressure build-up) into the enclosed area and optionally for introduction of micropulverized bactericides for localized application. The dome, for catheter introduction further has an aperture for attachment of a cannula needle guide. For surgical applications, the enclosure itself is comprised of separable elements of base and dome which are press fit or otherwise hermetically engaged, with removal of the dome permitting access to the surgical site.