Breathing Tube, Catheter Shortages Stem From Sterilization Woes

A shortage in pediatric breathing tubes is just the beginning of problems for hospitals and patients after two major sterilizers of medical devices face closure over environmental scrutiny.

Hospitals around the country and medical device companies like MedGyn Products Inc. are sounding alarms about the lack of all kinds of devices, such as aspiration kits and intrauterine pressure catheters, because of the sterilization problem.

Device manufacturers typically get their products cleaned by sterilization firms before a hospital orders them for their patients. During the shortages, however, hospitals can’t order new devices, according to Kirk Huslage, clinical operations director for infection ...