Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to sterile packaging systems for medical devices or components where the medical device or component (e.g. a stent) is covered at least in part with a protective sheath that is configured to maintain a body of protective fluid about the covered portion of the device or component. The protective sheath preferably has one or more ports to add fluid to or withdraw fluid from the interior of the protective sheath. The partially protected article is preferably maintained in a sterile condition within a sealed container formed at least in part of a material permeable to sterilizing gas so the protected article within the interior of the sealed container may be subjected to an atmosphere of sterilizing gas which permeates into the interior of the sealed container and sterilizes the partially protected article within the sealed container. In one embodiment a protected stent delivery system is disposed in a covered but unsealed tray which in turn is sealed within a pouch formed at least in part of a material which is permeable to the sterilizing gas.

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First Claim