Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is ideal for medical instruments that cannot withstand high temperatures because it is a low-temperature, chemical sterilization method. Unlike autoclaving or dry heat, it effectively sterilizes delicate, heat-sensitive instruments without causing damage. It penetrates packaging and kills all microorganisms by alkylating DNA and proteins. This makes it the best choice for items with plastics or electronics that would be damaged by steam or heat.

Reference: Medical Microbiology, 8th Edition, Murray et al., Volume 1, Chapter 5, p. 102