Use of a liquid detergent concentrate and a ready-to-use application solution and method of cleaning

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a liquid cleaning agent concentrate comprising: a. at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate, b. at least one amino acid-based surfactant, c. at least one hydrotrope, and d. at least one enzyme, preferably a proteolytic enzyme, wherein the pH of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate is 9 or >9, for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or devices used in high-frequency surgery. The invention further relates to the use of a ready-to-use application solution and a method for cleaning and / or disinfection.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of a liquid cleaning agent concentrate and a ready-to-use application solution for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or apparatus from the high-frequency surgical field and a method for cleaning and / or disinfection.

[0002] Medical and surgical instruments and equipment are usually cleaned in hospitals or in medical facilities in general using alkaline cleaning agents and then chemically or thermally disinfected.

[0003] Particularly when cleaning electrosurgical instruments and devices used in high-frequency surgery, heavily encrusted and / or charred blood deposits may remain on the surgical instruments and / or devices after use.

[0004] Known and commonly used cleaning agents for cleaning electrosurgical instruments and / or devices in the field of high-frequency surgery are primarily strongly alkaline cleaning agents and hydrogen peroxide. Such strongly alkaline or oxidizing cleaning agents can be particularly aggressive towards sensitive surfaces. Particularly in high-frequency surgery, particularly stubborn contaminants often remain on the instruments and / or devices after use. Furthermore, the instruments and / or devices are often subjected to a high frequency of use and subsequent cleaning steps. The combination of stubborn contaminants and the frequent cleaning steps promotes high wear and tear of the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices due to the aggressive cleaning agents used.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of enabling the use of a liquid cleaning agent concentrate and a ready-to-use application solution for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or apparatus from the high-frequency surgical field and of providing a method for cleaning and / or disinfecting surgical instruments and / or apparatus from the high-frequency surgical field, which lead to optimal cleaning performance while at the same time ensuring high material compatibility.

[0006] The invention solves these problems by the features of claims 1, 9 and 10.

[0007] Claim 1 comprises a use of a liquid cleaning agent concentrate comprising: a. at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate, b. at least one amino acid-based surfactant c. at least one hydrotrope, and d. at least one enzyme, preferably a proteolytic enzyme, wherein a pH value of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate is 9 or >9, for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or apparatus from the high-frequency surgical field.

[0008] Further advantageous embodiments are defined in the subclaims.

[0009] First, some terms used in the context of the invention will be explained.

[0010] The term "high-frequency surgery" refers to a special type of surgery in which high-frequency alternating current is passed through the human body to selectively cut or sever tissue. In this way, during a surgical procedure, for example, in addition to targeted cutting, the applied voltage can also simultaneously stop bleeding by closing (obliterating) affected vessels in the area of ​​the incision. Alternatively, if necessary, hemostasis can be achieved directly without prior cutting.

[0011] "Electrosurgical instruments and / or devices" are understood to mean surgical instruments and / or devices used in high-frequency surgery and through which high-frequency current can be directed through the human body. Electrosurgical instruments can include, for example, electrosurgical clamps, electrosurgical forceps, bipolar forceps, or loop electrodes. Furthermore, the term "electrosurgical instruments and / or devices" also includes surgical instruments and / or devices that are used in high-frequency surgery but are not designed to conduct high-frequency current through the human body. However, these instruments and / or devices can become contaminated during their use in high-frequency surgery, just like surgical instruments and / or devices through which high-frequency current is conducted.Preferably, however, these are electrosurgical instruments, such as electrosurgical clamps, electrosurgical forceps, bipolar forceps or loop electrodes, which can themselves conduct current.

[0012] The term "cleaning and / or disinfection" expresses, according to the invention, that the use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate and the use of the ready-to-use application solution can be used both in the combination of cleaning and disinfection in a single process step and in processes in which only a cleaning step or a separate disinfection step is carried out.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, the liquid cleaning agent concentrate can be diluted with water or a water-containing solvent mixture to form a ready-to-use solution. However, this does not preclude the liquid cleaning agent concentrate used from itself containing water or a water-containing solvent mixture.

[0014] The instruments and / or devices may be electrosurgical instruments and / or devices, preferably electrosurgical clamps, electrosurgical forceps, bipolar forceps, loop electrodes, cables, electrodes, and handles. The handles are, in particular, handles of electrosurgical instruments and / or devices.

[0015] The liquid cleaning agent concentrate used preferably has a pH value of 9-12, preferably 10-12, more preferably 10-11. 1. Fatty alcohol alkoxylates

[0016] The liquid cleaning agent concentrate comprises at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate. Preferably, the at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate is selected from fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEO) and fatty alcohol propoxylates (FAPO), butyl-etherified fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEOBV), butyl-etherified fatty alcohol propoxylates (FAPOBV), methyl-etherified fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEOMV), methyl-etherified fatty alcohol propoxylates (FAPOMV), fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymers (FAEOPO), methyl-etherified fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymers (FAE-OPOMV), and butyl-etherified fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymers (FAEOPOBV). Further preferably, the fatty alcohol alkoxylate is a fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymer.

[0017] The at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate can comprise 0-10 EO units, preferably 1-4 EO units, more preferably 1-2 EO units. Furthermore, the at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate can comprise 0-8 PO units, preferably 1-8 PO units, more preferably 4-8 PO units.

[0018] The fatty alcohol alkoxylate may have at least one C6-C16 fatty alcohol residue, more preferably C12-C15 fatty alcohol residue.

[0019] The fatty alcohol alkoxylate is preferably selected from the group consisting of C12-C15 fatty alcohol residues with 2EO / 6PO units, C12-C15 fatty alcohol residues with 8EO / 4PO units, butyl- or methyl-etherified C12-C14 fatty alcohol residues with 10EO units, C10-C12 fatty alcohol residues with 6EO / 8PO units, C12-C14 fatty alcohol residues with 2EO / 4PO units, C12-C14 fatty alcohol residues with 4EO / 5PO units, C13-C15 fatty alcohol residues with 5EO / 3PO units and methyl-etherified C13-C15 fatty alcohol residues with 5EO / 3PO units, further preferably the fatty alcohol alkoxylate is selected from C12-C15 fatty alcohol residues with 2EO / 6PO units, C12-C14 fatty alcohol residue with 2EO / 4PO units and C12-C14 fatty alcohol residue with 4EO / 5PO units.

[0020] Preferably, the fatty alcohol alkoxylate is present in the liquid cleaning concentrate in a weight proportion of 0.1 to 9 wt.%, more preferably 0.4 to 2 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning concentrate. 2. Amino acid-based surfactants

[0021] The liquid cleaning agent concentrate comprises at least one amino acid-based surfactant. The amino acid-based surfactant is preferably selected from compounds having a saturated or monounsaturated C10-C18 carbon radical, preferably a saturated C12-C16 carbon radical.

[0022] The amino acid-based surfactant is preferably selected from sarcosine, taurine, glutamic acid, and their salts. The salts can be alkali metal salts, preferably sodium and potassium salts. More preferably, the amino acid-based surfactant is a sarcosine and its sodium salt.

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the amino acid-based surfactant are selected from lauroylsarcosine, oleoylsarcosine, myristoylsarcosine, stearoylsarcosine, and lauroylglutamic acid and their sodium salts. Lauroylsarcosine and lauroylglutamic acid and their sodium salts are particularly preferred.

[0024] Preferably, the amino acid-based surfactant is present in the liquid detergent concentrate in a weight proportion of 0.05 to 5 wt.%, more preferably 0.08 to 2 wt.%, even more preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid detergent concentrate. 3. Hydrotrope

[0025] The liquid cleaning agent concentrate comprises at least one hydrotrope. In the context of the invention, "hydrotropes" are compounds that act as solubilizers. These are, in particular, amphiphilic compounds with a relatively small polar moiety and a larger non-polar moiety, which are soluble in both non-polar and polar solvents. Compared to surfactants, hydrotropes have less hydrophobic properties and higher solubility in water. The polar moiety ensures higher solubility in water, while the non-polar moiety acts as a functional group. Hydrotropes, in particular, enable the formulation of a clear and stable liquid cleaning agent concentrate as well as a clear, ready-to-use application solution. The compounds defined as amino acid-based surfactants and / or fatty alcohol alkoxylates are preferably not hydrotropes.

[0026] The at least one hydrotrope is selected from: Alkyl sulfates, preferably C6-C10 alkyl sulfates and their sodium salts, more preferably sodium octyl sulfate and sodium ethylhexyl sulfate; alkyl sulfonates, preferably C6-C10 alkyl sulfonates; aromatic sulfonates, preferably xylenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate and their sodium salts; propionates, preferably iso-octyl iminodipropionate, n-octyl iminodipropionate, caprylic and capric amphopropionate; C4-C10 ether carboxylic acids having 4-10 EO units, preferably alkyl(8)polyethercarboxylic acid having 8 EO units and alkyl(4-8)polyethercarboxylic acid having 5 EO units; Alkyl glycosides, alkyl diglycosides, alkyl polyglycosides and mixtures thereof, wherein the alkyl radical is preferably a branched or unbranched C4-C16 alkyl radical and the glycoside radical is preferably selected from hexose unit and pentose unit, further preferably selected from glucopyranose unit and xylopyranos unit.

[0027] Particularly preferred hydrotropes are sodium octyl sulfate, sodium ethylhexyl sulfate or a mixture thereof.

[0028] Preferably, the hydrotrope is present in the liquid detergent concentrate in a weight proportion of 0.05 to 13 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 7 wt.%, even more preferably 0.15 to 3.5 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid detergent concentrate.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, the hydrotrope preferably acts as a solubilizer for the fatty alcohol alkoxylate and to clarify the formulation within a specific temperature range. The cloud point of the liquid cleaning formulations can be used as a test parameter for this purpose. Surprisingly, the combination of the components achieves a cloud point of >40°C. The cloud point without the combination, in contrast, would be only approximately 20°C. 4. Enzym

[0030] Preferably, the enzyme is a proteolytic enzyme or enzyme mixture.

[0031] The enzyme or enzyme mixture is preferably present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 0.05 to 4 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate. The enzyme activity is preferably 30×10 -2 to 100×10 -2 KNPU / g, more preferably 70×10 -2 to 85×10 -2 KNPU / g. 5. Other components

[0032] The liquid cleaning agent concentrate may further comprise other ingredients selected from alkanolamines, alkali metal hydroxides, complexing agents, solvents, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances and dyes.

[0033] An alkanolamine is preferably selected from monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, and mixtures thereof. The alkanolamine or its mixture can be used, in particular, to adjust the alkalinity of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate. Monoethanolamine has the advantage of being a good protein cleaner. The alkanolamine or its mixture is preferably present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 1 to 26 wt.%, more preferably 4 to 18 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

[0034] The alkali metal hydroxide is preferably sodium hydroxide and / or potassium hydroxide, more preferably potassium hydroxide. The alkali metal hydroxide serves, in particular, to adjust the alkalinity of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate. Potassium hydroxide is preferably present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 1 to 8 wt.%, more preferably 2 to 5 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate. It has been found that damage to anodized aluminum is not significantly increased despite this high weight proportion of 2 to 5 wt.% of potassium hydroxide.

[0035] A complexing agent can be selected from the group consisting of phosphonates, preferably from salts of phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid (PBTC), aminotrismethylenephosphonic acid (ATMP), 1-hydroxyethane-1-1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP) and mixtures thereof, more preferably from the sodium salts of phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid, aminotrismethylenephosphonic acid and mixtures thereof; Aminopolycarboxylic acids, preferably from hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), polyaspartic acids, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), nitrilomonoacetic dipropionic acid, nitrilotripropionic acid, β-alaninediacetic acid (β-ADA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, 1,3-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1,2-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-(alkyl)-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid,Ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, cyclohexylene-1,2-diaminetetraacetic acid, serinediacetic acid, isoserinediacetic acid, L-asparticodiacetic acid, their salts, and mixtures thereof, more preferably from the sodium salts of HEDTA, MGDA, and mixtures thereof; and hydroxycarboxylic acids, hydroxypolycarboxylic acids, and their salts, preferably gluconic acid, glucoheptanoic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, mucic acid, lactic acid, glutaric acid, citric acid, tartronic acid, lactobionic acid, and sucrose mono-, di-, and tricarboxylic acid, and their salts, more preferably from the sodium salt of glucoheptonic acid. The complexing agent is more preferably a mixture of at least one phosphonate and at least one aminopolycarboxylic acid, hydroxycarboxylic acid, or salt thereof. The complexing agent mixture may further comprise another aminopolycarboxylic acid, which is also selected from the previously defined aminopolycarboxylic acids and their salts,wherein the first and second aminopolycarboxylic acids are different from one another. The phosphonate or phosphonate mixture can be present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 1 to 13 wt.%, preferably 2 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 8 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate. The aminopolycarboxylic acids, the hydroxycarboxylic acids, the hydroxypolycarboxylic acid, their salts, or their mixtures can be present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 1 to 10 wt.%, preferably 2 to 8 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 6 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

[0036] The solvent can be water or a water-containing solvent mixture. Preferred solvent mixtures are those that, in addition to water, comprise organic solvents selected from ethanol, 2-propanol, glycols, glycerin, and mixtures thereof. A preferred glycol is 1,2-propylene glycol. The organic solvent is preferably present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 0.5 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 7 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

[0037] Preferably, water is present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 30 to 90 wt.%, more preferably 35 to 70 wt.%, even more preferably 35 to 60 wt.%, even more preferably 35 to 50 wt.%, even more preferably 35 to 45 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

[0038] The liquid cleaning agent concentrate may also contain phosphoric acid, which preferably serves as a corrosion inhibitor. Phosphoric acid is preferably present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a weight proportion of 0.1 to 20 wt.%, more preferably 0.2 to 7 wt.%, and even more preferably 0.3 to 5 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

[0039] An upper limit for a total weight proportion of fatty alkoxy alcoholate, amino acid-based surfactant and hydrotrope in the liquid detergent concentrate is preferably 30 wt.%, more preferably 20 wt.%, even more preferably 13 wt.%, even more preferably 10 wt.%, even more preferably 8 wt.%, even more preferably 5 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid detergent concentrate.

[0040] Preferably, surfactants (ie cationic, anionic, zwitterionic, non-ionic surfactants) are present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a maximum weight proportion of up to 30 wt.%, more preferably up to 20 wt.%, even more preferably up to 18 wt.%, even more preferably up to 13 wt.%, even more preferably up to 9 wt.%, even more preferably up to 7.5 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

[0041] Anionic surfactants are preferably present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a proportion by weight of up to 20% by weight, more preferably up to 18% by weight, even more preferably up to 13% by weight, even more preferably up to 8% by weight, even more preferably up to 5% by weight, even more preferably up to 3% by weight, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

[0042] The invention is based on the surprising discovery that a mildly alkaline, enzymatic cleaning agent concentrate and a ready-to-use solution prepared from such a cleaning agent concentrate can be used for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or equipment used in high-frequency surgery. Particularly when used in high-frequency surgery, particularly strongly adhering contaminants, such as heavily encrusted and / or charred blood deposits, often remain on the instruments and / or equipment after use. The inventive use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate and the ready-to-use solution surprisingly enables cleaning performance at least as good as that of known strongly alkaline and oxidizing cleaning agents.The cleaning agent concentrate and the ready-to-use solution used also demonstrate high material compatibility. This is particularly important because the instruments and / or devices used in high-frequency surgery are often subject to high rates of use and subsequent cleaning or disinfection.

[0043] Furthermore, the combination of fatty alcohol alkoxylate, amino acid-based surfactant, and hydrotrope in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate used for cleaning and / or disinfection exhibits the following technical effects / advantages. The concentrate, containing these three components, represents a low-foam cleaning formulation that achieves very good cleaning performance at a low application concentration and, at the same time, exhibits high material compatibility with various materials. Corrosion protection of stainless steel and (color) anodized aluminum parts is also important, particularly with regard to surgical instruments and / or devices. The presence of the amino acid-based surfactant, in particular, leads to significantly improved corrosion inhibition behavior on stainless steel and (color) anodized aluminum parts.Furthermore, with more frequent use of the liquid cleaning concentrate, an improved shine and an improved feel, especially of stainless steel parts, is surprisingly observed.

[0044] The invention further relates to the use of a ready-to-use application solution comprising 0.05 to 99.9% of a liquid cleaning agent concentrate, preferably according to one of claims 2 to 8, comprising: a. at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate, b. at least one amino acid-based surfactant c. at least one hydrotrope, and d. at least one enzyme, preferably a proteolytic enzyme, wherein the pH value of the ready-to-use solution is 9 or >9, for cleaning and / or disinfection of instruments and / or devices used in high-frequency surgery.

[0045] The instruments and / or devices are preferably electrosurgical instruments and / or devices, preferably electrosurgical clamps, electrosurgical forceps, bipolar forceps, loop electrodes, cables, electrodes, and handles. The handles are in particular handles of electrosurgical instruments and / or devices.

[0046] The ready-to-use application solution preferably has a pH value of 9-12, more preferably of 10-12, even more preferably of 10-11.

[0047] The ready-to-use application solution preferably comprises 0.05 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 1%, of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to the invention.

[0048] The previously listed components, properties, and beneficial effects of using a ready-to-use solution correspond (largely) to those previously defined for the use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate. However, the components in the ready-to-use solution are present in the following weight proportions: The fatty alcohol alkoxylate is preferably present in the ready-to-use solution in a weight proportion of 0.00005 to 0.9 wt.%, more preferably 0.0004 to 0.02 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use solution.

[0049] Preferably, the amino acid-based surfactant is present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 0.000025 to 0.5 wt.%, more preferably 0.0001 to 0.02 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0050] Preferably, the hydrotrope is present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 0.000025 to 1.3 wt.%, more preferably of 0.0001 to 0.07 wt.%, even more preferably of 0.00015 to 0.035 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0051] Preferably, the enzyme or enzyme mixture is present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 0.000025 to 0.4 wt.%, more preferably 0.0001 to 0.02 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0052] The alkanolamine or its mixture may be present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 0.0005 to 2.6 wt.%, preferably 0.004 to 0.18 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0053] The complexing agent or the complexing agent mixture can be present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 0.001 to 2.3 wt.%, preferably 0.004 to 0.18 wt.%, more preferably 0.006 to 0.14 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0054] The organic solvent may be present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 0.00025 to 1.0 wt.%, preferably 0.003 to 0.07 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0055] Water may be present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 90.0 to 99.985 wt.%, preferably 95.0 to 99.98 wt.%, more preferably 99.6 to 99.96 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0056] Phosphoric acid may be present in the ready-to-use application solution in a weight proportion of 0.00005 to 2.5 wt.%, more preferably 0.0002 to 0.14 wt.%, even more preferably 0.0003 to 0.07 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0057] An upper limit for a total weight proportion of fatty alkoxy alcoholate, amino acid-based surfactant and hydrotrope in the ready-to-use application solution is preferably 2.7 wt.%, more preferably 1 wt.%, even more preferably 0.4 wt.%, even more preferably 0.1 wt.%, even more preferably 0.075 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0058] Preferably, surfactants (ie cationic, anionic, zwitterionic, non-ionic surfactants) are present in the ready-to-use application solution in a maximum weight proportion of up to 3 wt.%, more preferably up to 2.7 wt.%, even more preferably up to 1.5 wt.%, even more preferably up to 1 wt.%, even more preferably up to 0.075 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0059] Anionic surfactants are present in the ready-to-use application solution preferably in a maximum weight proportion of up to 2.8 wt.%, more preferably up to 2 wt.%, even more preferably up to 1.8 wt.%, even more preferably up to 1 wt.%, even more preferably up to 0.5 wt.%, even more preferably up to 0.1 wt.%, even more preferably up to 0.055 wt.%, based on the total mass of the ready-to-use application solution.

[0060] The invention further relates to a method for cleaning and / or disinfecting surgical instruments and / or apparatus from the high-frequency surgical field with a liquid cleaning agent concentrate, preferably according to one of claims 2 to 8, comprising the following steps: a) Providing a ready-to-use application solution, and b) Cleaning and / or disinfecting the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices with the provided ready-to-use application solution.

[0061] Preferably, the ready-to-use application solution can be prepared by adding the liquid cleaning agent concentrate to water or a water-containing solvent mixture. However, this does not preclude the liquid cleaning agent concentrate itself from containing water or a water-containing solvent mixture.

[0062] It is preferably provided that the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices for treatment (ie in this case for cleaning and / or disinfection) are introduced at least in sections into the ready-to-use application solution.

[0063] The instruments and / or devices to be cleaned can be completely immersed in the ready-to-use application solution, ie the ready-to-use application solution completely encloses the instruments and / or devices to be cleaned.

[0064] Alternatively, it is also possible to expose the instruments and / or devices to the ready-to-use solution only in sections. In this way, specific areas can be subjected to cleaning and / or disinfection or excluded. For example, selected areas, such as handles or electronic connections, can be excluded from cleaning and / or disinfection in case they are not resistant to the ready-to-use solution.

[0065] Preferably, the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices are introduced into the ready-to-use application solution over a period of 5 minutes to 48 hours, more preferably 1 to 24 hours, even more preferably 1 to 12 hours (at least in sections).

[0066] It is preferably provided that the cleaning and / or disinfection of the electrosurgical instruments and / or apparatus is carried out at a temperature of 38°C or less, more preferably from 18 to 35°C, even more preferably from 20 to 30°C, even more preferably from 22 to 27°C, most preferably at about 25°C.

[0067] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices are removed from the application solution after cleaning and / or disinfection with the ready-to-use application solution and are rinsed, preferably with water.

[0068] Within the scope of the invention, it is possible that the cleaning of the electrosurgical instruments and / or apparatus can be a preliminary cleaning step that is carried out before a further cleaning step.

[0069] The invention is based on the surprising discovery that the method according to the invention can be used for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or devices used in high-frequency surgery. The method according to the invention achieves optimal cleaning performance while simultaneously maintaining high material compatibility. Thus, encrusted and / or charred blood residues adhering to electrosurgical instruments and / or devices used in high-frequency surgery can be efficiently and gently removed from the surface of the instruments and / or devices.

[0070] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to some advantageous embodiments and the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1: a representation of instruments with adhering contamination from the high-frequency surgical area, ie an electrosurgical clamp (BiClamp 271T ®< ), a bipolar forceps (Classic), and a loop electrode before cleaning Figure 2: a representation of the instruments from the high-frequency surgical area from Figure 1 directly after section-wise insertion in a ready-to-use application solution Figure 3: a representation of the instruments from the high-frequency surgery area from Figures 1 and 2 after 1 day in the ready-to-use solution Figure 4: a representation of the instruments from the high-frequency surgery area from the Figures 1 to 3after a total application time of 5 days in the ready-to-use application solution Figure 5: Illustrations of the electrosurgical clamp (BiClamp 271T ®< ) removed from the application solution after a cleaning period of 1 day (top) and after 5 days (bottom), Figure 6: Illustrations of the bipolar forceps (Classic) removed from the application solution after a cleaning period of 1 day (top) and after 5 days (bottom), Figure 7: Illustrations of the loop electrodes removed from the application solution after a cleaning period of 1 day (top) and after 5 days (bottom), Figures 8-11: each an illustration of the electrosurgical forceps (BiClamp 271T ®< ) removed from the application solution, the bipolar forceps (Classic) and the loop electrodes after a cleaning period of 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks, Figure 12: an illustration of the Instruments removed from the application solution Figure 11after a cleaning period of 4 weeks, whereby the side of the electrosurgical instruments not previously wetted with the application solution is immersed in the application solution, Figure 13: a representation of the instruments removed from the application solution from Figure 12after a cleaning period of one additional day, Figure 14: Corrosion behavior on gray cast iron GG25 tested in accordance with DIN 51360 Part 2 with ready-to-use solutions comprising a) sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, b) sodium oleoyl sarcosinate, c) sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, d) sodium stearoyl sarcosinate, e) sodium lauroyl glutamate as amino acid-based surfactants according to the invention and f) sodium cumene sulfonate as reference formulation, Figure 15: a bar chart with quantitative results for the extent of corrosion with gray cast iron chips GG25, Figure 16: quantitative determination of blood residues after immersion tests with sheep blood and a mixture of sheep blood and Betaisodona tincture, Figure 17: a comparison diagram of various cleaning agents in terms of cleaning performance and material compatibility.

[0071] Figure 1This image shows electrosurgical instruments with adhering contaminants from high-frequency surgery. It shows an electrosurgical clamp (BiClamp 271T ®<) together with an electrical connector, bipolar forceps, and a loop electrode.

[0072] In Figure 2 Five beakers of different sizes are shown. Figure 2 shows the instruments from the high-frequency surgery area from Figure 1Immediately after section-by-section insertion. Each beaker contains a ready-to-use solution. While the electrosurgical clamp has been inserted section-by-section into the ready-to-use solution in the first beaker, bipolar forceps have been inserted section-by-section into the ready-to-use solution in the second and third beakers, and a loop electrode has been inserted section-by-section into the ready-to-use solution in the fourth and fifth beakers. The ready-to-use solution in all beakers has a transparent color.

[0073] Figure 3 shows the instruments from the high-frequency surgery area from Figures 1 and 2 after 1 day in the ready-to-use solution. The ready-to-use solutions have turned opaque in all beakers. Figure 4 also shows the instruments from the Figures 1 to 3However, after a total of 5 days of use in the ready-to-use solution, the ready-to-use solutions continue to exhibit an opaque appearance.

[0074] In the Figures 5 to 7 The electrosurgical clamps (BiClamp 271T ®< ) removed from the application solution are each after a cleaning period of 1 day (top) and after 5 days (bottom) ( Figure 5 ), bipolar forceps (Classic) after a cleaning period of 1 day (top) and after 5 days (bottom) ( Figure 6 ) and loop electrodes are shown after a cleaning period of 1 day (top) and after 5 days (bottom) (Figure 7). The adhering contaminants have been removed, and no visual changes to the instruments are visible.

[0075] The Figures 8 to 11The following images show the electrosurgical forceps (BiClamp 271T ®< ), the bipolar forceps (Classic), and the loop electrodes removed from the application solution after cleaning for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks, respectively. The adhering contaminants have been removed, and no visual changes to the instruments are visible.

[0076] Figure 12 shows a representation of the instruments taken from the application solution Figure 11 after a cleaning period of 4 weeks, whereby the side of the electrosurgical instruments not previously wetted with the application solution is immersed in the application solution. This means that in contrast to the illustration in Figure 2The sides of the electrosurgical instruments not previously wetted with the ready-to-use solution are immersed in a newly prepared ready-to-use solution. The electrical connection of the electrosurgical clamp is also completely immersed in the ready-to-use solution.

[0077] Figure 13 shows the instruments from Figure 12 , which were removed from the ready-to-use solution after one day. The adhering contaminants have been removed, and no visual changes to the instruments are noticeable. 1. Corrosion tests with grey cast iron chips GG25 based on DIN 51360 Part 2

[0078] Five different amino acid-based surfactants (i.e., sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium oleoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, sodium stearoyl sarcosinate, and sodium lauroyl glutamate) were tested for their corrosion-inhibiting properties in a ready-to-use solution with an otherwise identical cleaning formulation compared to a reference formulation containing a common non-amino acid-based surfactant (i.e., sodium cumene sulfonate). For evaluation, corrosion tests were conducted with gray cast iron chips GG25 based on DIN 51360 Part 2. a. Equipment and materials

[0079] Petri dishes Ø 100 mm (glass or plastic) Filter paper Ø 70 mm 589 from Whatman Ash-free, medium-fast filtering Grey cast iron GG 25 chips according to DIN 51360 T2 (Riegger Industriehandel, article 03-39) Deionized water b. Implementation

[0080] Using a spoon spatula, 2 g ± 0.1 g of chips were weighed onto the filter paper placed in the Petri dish. The chips were distributed as centrally as possible over an area of ​​40-50 mm in diameter. The chips and filter paper were evenly moistened with 2 ml of the 2.5% ready-to-use solution, and the Petri dish was closed with the lid. The prepared samples were stored for 2 hours ± 10 minutes at room temperature (20-25°C) without direct sunlight or drafts. The chips were removed and discarded. The filter paper was rinsed under running deionized water and swirled in acetone for 5-10 seconds. The filter paper was dried at room temperature (20-25°C). The degree of corrosion was determined immediately after drying. Each test was performed in duplicate. c. Evaluation

[0081] For the evaluation, instead of a visual assessment, the area of ​​corrosion was related to the total area of ​​the filter paper used. The integrals of the areas were determined using the ImageJ software. d. Result

[0082] All test batches of the ready-to-use application solutions containing an amino acid-based surfactant demonstrate significantly improved corrosion inhibition behavior compared to the reference formulation without an amino acid-based surfactant. The best results were achieved with the ready-to-use application solutions containing the amino acid-based surfactants sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium lauroyl glutamate. The corrosion behavior on gray cast iron GG25 made of Figure 14 The extent of corrosion in the tests with grey cast iron chips could be quantitatively determined by subsequent integration of the corroded areas (see Figure 15 ). 2. Cloud point investigations

[0083] Eight different compounds from different substance classes, each selected from alkyl ether carboxylic acids, alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, aromatic sulfonates, alkyl-, alkyldi-, and alkylpolyglycosides, were tested for their suitability as hydrotropes in ready-to-use application solutions. The cloud point was used as the test parameter for assessment.

[0084] Surprisingly, the inventive combination of ingredients achieves a cloud point of >40°C for the ready-to-use application solutions. This is particularly advantageous, as this is usually also the application temperature. Application solutions containing alkyl sulfates as a hydrotrope, in particular, show very good results. The cloud point without the inventive combination, in contrast, is only approximately 20°C. 3. Cleaning performance with regard to sheep blood and a mixture out of Blood and Betaisodona tincture

[0085] Various combinations of amino acid-based surfactants and hydrotropes with the fatty alcohol alkoxylate FA C12 / C14 2EO / 6PO were investigated in ready-to-use application solutions.

[0086] In immersion bath tests, the formulation variants were tested for their cleaning performance with regard to sheep blood and a mixture of blood and Betaisodona tincture. Cleaning tests in the immersion bath a. Equipment and materials

[0087] Stainless steel plates (slightly roughened, area 1 cm × 9 cm) Sheep blood heparinized with 10 IU / ml protamine sulfate or protamine chloride: ACILA GmbH Betaisodona (10% povidone iodine solution) Marking points Ø 8 mm various colors Deionized water b. Implementation

[0088] Preparation of the test plates from heparinized, reactivated sheep blood: The heparinized sheep blood and the protamine sulfate / protamine chloride were stored in a climate-controlled cabinet at 6°C until the test. For the preparation of the test soil, the sheep blood and the protamine sulfate / protamine chloride should have reached a temperature of 20°C. The grease-free stainless steel plates were mounted on a rack and aligned horizontally as straight as possible.

[0089] 75 µl of protamine sulfate or protamine chloride were briefly mixed with 5 ml of heparinized sheep blood in a 50 ml beaker on a magnetic stirrer. 100 µl of this solution was pipetted onto each plate and distributed evenly using an inoculation loop, avoiding contaminating the mounting holes and the side surfaces. Each batch was then incubated for 1 hour at room temperature in water vapor-saturated air (100% relative humidity). The plate rack can be immersed in the deionized water, but the platelets must be stored above the water level. To achieve 100% relative humidity, the bottom of an 8.5 l plastic container was filled with at least 1 l of deionized water. The deionized water must completely cover the bottom of the horizontally positioned dish. The dish was covered with a lid at least 2 hours before starting the experiment (atmosphere conditioning).After 1 hour, the wet test specimens with the coagulated blood stain were removed from the plastic tray and dried at room temperature.

[0090] The quality of the dry test plates was checked. Plates with air bubbles on the soil or irregularities were discarded. A green marker dot was applied to all other plates. The test plates were stored in screw-capped test tubes at room temperature until use in the immersion test. Production of iodine blood test plates:

[0091] The defibrinated sheep blood was stored in a climate-controlled cabinet at 6°C until the test. For the preparation of the test soil, the sheep blood should have reached a temperature of 20°C. The grease-free stainless steel plates were mounted on a rack and aligned horizontally as straight as possible.

[0092] The defibrinated sheep blood was briefly mixed with Betaisodona in a 50 ml beaker on a magnetic stirrer at a ratio of 1:1. 200 µl of this solution was pipetted onto each slide and evenly distributed using an inoculation loop, ensuring that the holes and sides were not contaminated. The slides were allowed to dry at room temperature for approximately six hours, or at least until all slides were visually dry. The quality of the dry slides was checked. Slides with air bubbles on the soil or irregularities were discarded. An orange marker dot was affixed to each of the remaining slides. The slides were stored in screw-capped test tubes at room temperature until use in the immersion test. Carrying out the diving test:

[0093] Concentration: 2 ml / l Water qualities: demineralized water Temperature: 45°C ± 1°C Holding time: 4 and 10 minutes Stirring speed: 350 rpm (stirrer IKA RCT classic) Template: 1000 ml solution in a 1000 ml beaker Test plate: Heparinized, reactive sheep blood iodine blood

[0094] The soiled test plates were individually immersed in the solution. After removal, they were briefly immersed in cold deionized water. The plates were left to dry horizontally at room temperature. Visual evaluation was performed using the dried plates. The test plates soiled with heparinized, reactivated sheep blood were stained with a 0.1% amido black solution. c. Evaluation

[0095] The evaluation was performed visually using the dried slides. In addition, the analysis was performed using the integrals of the remaining blood residues relative to the total area of ​​the test specimen using the ImageJ software. d. Results

[0096] The following Table 1 summarizes the test results. In addition to the ingredients listed in Table 1, the tested liquid cleaning concentrates were also made from the following, otherwise constant, ingredients: 3.5 wt.% Endoprotease 8.0 wt.% 45% KOH 16 wt.% 99% triethanolamine 12.0 wt.% 40% MGDA, 3Na 10 wt.% 50% PBTC to 100 wt.% Water

[0097] Table 1: Test results on cleaning performance. Fatty alcohol alkoxylate Amino acid-based surfactant Hydrotropic Cleaning performance 1 0.5 wt% FA C12 / C14 2EO / 6PO 0.5% by weight of 30% sodium lauroyl sarcosinate 0.8% by weight of 42% sodium octyl sulfate very good 2 0.5 wt% FA C12 / C14 2EO / 6PO 0.5% by weight of 30% sodium lauroyl sarcosinate 1.6% by weight of 42% Na-ethylhexyl sulfate very good 3 0.5 wt% FA C12 / C14 2EO / 6PO - 1.7% by weight of 42% sodium octyl sulfate mediocre 4 0.5 wt% FA C12 / C14 2EO / 6PO 0.8% by weight of 30% sodium lauroyl sarcosinate - very bad 5 0.5 wt% FA C12 / C14 2EO / 6PO - 15% by weight of 40% sodium cumene sulfonate bad

[0098] The liquid cleaning concentrate comprising a combination of fatty alcohol alkoxylate and an amino acid-based surfactant without the addition of a hydrotrope (Comparative Experiment 4) demonstrated the poorest cleaning performance of the test series. The liquid cleaning concentrate containing sodium cumenesulfonate (Comparative Experiment 5) achieved the second-worst cleaning result. The liquid cleaning concentrate comprising fatty alcohol alkoxylate and the hydrotrope sodium octyl sulfate (Comparative Experiment 3) demonstrated only mediocre cleaning performance. The addition of the amino acid-based surfactant, which performs poorly when combined with the fatty alcohol alkoxylate alone (Comparative Experiment 4), resulted in very good cleaning performance for the liquid cleaning concentrate (Experiment 2).

[0099] The inventive liquid cleaning concentrates with the combinations of fatty alcohol alkoxylate, amino acid-based surfactant, and hydrotrope (tests 1 and 2) achieve the best cleaning performance compared to the respective individual components and the various combinations of two components (comparative tests 3 to 5). A synergistic effect of the inventive combination of fatty alcohol alkoxylate, amino acid-based surfactant, and hydrotrope was observed with regard to the removal of blood residues. The cleaning performance of the three-component combination in the tests conducted was consistently better than that of the sum of the individual components.

[0100] Figure 5 shows a quantitative determination of blood residues after conducting immersion tests with sheep blood and a mixture of sheep blood and Betaisodona tincture. The results are shown for batches 1 to 5 listed in Table 1. 4. Cleaning performance regarding adhering soiling on instruments from the high-frequency surgical field

[0101] Another embodiment of a cleaning agent concentrate used according to the invention, which achieves approximately the same test results as the liquid cleaning agent concentrate from test example 1, consists of the following components: 0.5 wt.% FA C12 / C15 2EO / 6PO 0.1 wt.% 96% cocoyl / lauroyl glutamate 0.7 wt.% 42% sodium octyl sulfate 1 wt.% Endoprotease 14% by weight 99% monoethanolamine 6 wt.% Aminocarboxylate 1 wt.% 75% phosphoric acid to 100 wt.% Water Cleaning tests in the immersion bath a. Equipment and materials

[0102] 10% ready-to-use solution of the cleaning agent concentrate according to the invention in preferably softened water, more preferably demineralized water Instruments: electrosurgical clamp (BiClamp 271T ®< ), bipolar forceps Classic (with a silver coating), loop electrodes. b. Conducting the diving tests

[0103] An immersion bath was prepared with the liquid cleaning agent concentrate to be tested. A 10% aqueous, ready-to-use solution of the cleaning agent concentrate was prepared. The electrosurgical instruments to be cleaned ( Figure 1 ) were immersed in the immersion bath section by section. After an exposure time of 1 day, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks, the instruments were removed from the immersion bath, rinsed with water, and the cleaning tests were evaluated. c. Evaluation

[0104] The cleaning tests are evaluated by visual inspection. d. Results

[0105] The cleaned electrosurgical instruments show no optical material changes after exposure times of 1 day (the Figures 5 to 7 below), 5 days (the Figures 5 to 7 above), 1 week ( Figure 8 ), 2 weeks ( Figure 9 ), 3 weeks ( Figure 10 ) and 4weeks ( Figure 11 ). The application solutions show an opaque appearance after one day, which is maintained over a period of 4 weeks. Reference cleaning tests in immersion bath a. Equipment and materials

[0106] Cleaner Perfect ®< Duo Effect in a 1:1 ratio with water Instruments: electrosurgical clamp (BiClamp 271T ®< ), bipolar forceps Classic (with a silver coating), loop electrode b. Conducting the reference diving test

[0107] The instruments to be cleaned were contaminated with blood / tissue. A dipping bath was prepared with the test cleaner, Perfektan® Duo Effect, in a 1:1 ratio with water. The electrosurgical instruments to be cleaned were placed in the dipping bath. After a contact time of 30 minutes, the electrosurgical instruments were removed from the dipping bath, rinsed with water, and the cleaning results were evaluated. c. Evaluation

[0108] The cleaning tests are evaluated by visual inspection. d. Results

[0109] The gripping surfaces of the electrosurgical clamp (BiClamp 271T ®< ) and the bipolar forceps (Classic) have turned black. The instruments show significant discoloration of the gripping surfaces after a total of four cleaning attempts. 5. Overview of tests on cleaning performance and material compatibility

[0110] Further tests were conducted to determine the material compatibility of the cleaning agent from the previous test and its cleaning performance compared to other known cleaning agents. For this purpose, the pH values, material compatibility, and cleaning performance of selected individual cleaners were compared with the 10% aqueous ready-to-use solution used. The cleaners Perfektan ®< Duo (Dr. Schlüter), Mucasol ®< (Schülke plus), and a diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide solution were compared with the 10% aqueous ready-to-use solution used on three pairs of bipolar forceps (products A, B, and C). Table 2: cleaning products PH value Material compatibility Cleaning performance Product A Cleaning performance Product B Cleaning performance Product C inventive application solution 10,8 + + + + Perfektan ®< Duo 14,8 - nb + nb Mucasol ®< 12,5 0 0 nb nb H 2 O 2 , 3% 4 - nb nb +

[0111] The results were presented in Figure 17 and summarized in Table 2.

[0112] Regarding material compatibility: +: very good material compatibility; 0: moderate material compatibility; -: very poor material compatibility; nb: material compatibility test failed.

[0113] On cleaning performance: +: very good cleaning performance; 0: mediocre cleaning performance; -: very poor cleaning performance; nb: test not performed.

[0114] The inventive use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate and the ready-to-use application solution demonstrates very good material compatibility, along with equally good cleaning performance, compared to selected cleaning agents, which, while sometimes offering poorer cleaning performance, exhibit greater aggression toward the high-frequency instruments being cleaned. The inventive use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate and the ready-to-use application solution thus enables efficient and gentle cleaning and / or disinfection of instruments and / or devices used in high-frequency surgery while simultaneously maintaining high material compatibility.

Claims

1. Use of a liquid cleaning agent concentrate comprising: a. at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate, b. at least one amino acid-based surfactant c. at least one hydrotrope, and d. at least one enzyme, preferably a proteolytic enzyme, wherein a pH of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate is 9 or >9, for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or apparatus from the high-frequency surgical field.

2. Use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to claim 1, characterized in that the instruments and / or devices are electrosurgical instruments and / or devices, preferably electrosurgical clamps, electrosurgical forceps, bipolar forceps, loop electrodes, cables, electrodes and handles.

3. Use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe liquid cleaning agent concentrate has a pH value of 9-12, preferably 10-12, more preferably 10-11.

4. Use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate is selected from fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEO), fatty alcohol propoxylates (FAPO), butyl-etherified fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEOBV), butyl-etherified fatty alcohol propoxylates (FAPOBV), methyl-etherified fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEOMV), methyl-etherified fatty alcohol propoxylates (FAPOMV), fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymers (FAEOPO), butyl-etherified fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymers (FAEOPOBV) and methyl-etherified fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymers (FAE-OPOMV), wherein the fatty alcohol alkoxylate is preferably a fatty alcohol-based EO / PO copolymer.

5. Use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe amino acid-based surfactant has at least one of the following features: - the amino acid-based surfactant is selected from compounds having a saturated or monounsaturated C10-C18 carbon residue, preferably a saturated C12-C16 carbon residue; - the amino acid-based surfactant is selected from sarcosines, taurines, glutamic acids and their salts, preferably sarcosines and their sodium salts; - the amino acid-based surfactant is selected from lauroylsarcosine, oleoylsarcosine, myristoylsarcosine, stearoylsarcosine and lauroylglutamic acid and their salts, preferably lauroylsarcosine and lauroylglutamic acid and their sodium salts.

6. Use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe at least one hydrotrope is selected from: - alkyl sulfates, preferably C6-C10 alkyl sulfates and their sodium salts, more preferably sodium octyl sulfate and sodium ethylhexyl sulfate; - alkyl sulfonates, preferably C6-C10 alkylsulfonates; - aromatic sulfonates, preferably xylenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate and their sodium salts; - propionates, preferably ISO -Octyliminodipropionate, n-octyliminodipropionate, caprylic and capric amphopropionate; - C4-C10 alkyl ether carboxylic acids having 4-10 EO units, preferably alkyl(8)polyethercarboxylic acid having 8 EO units and alkyl(4-8)polyethercarboxylic acid having 5 EO units; - alkyl glycosides, alkyl diglycosides, alkyl polyglycosides and mixtures thereof, wherein the alkyl radical is preferably a branched or unbranched C4-C16 alkyl radical and the glycoside radical is preferably selected from hexose unit and pentose unit, more preferably selected from glucopyranose unit and xylopyranose unit.

7. Use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one or more of the following components are contained in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in the following weight proportions: - the fatty alcohol alkoxylate in a weight proportion of 0.1 to 9 wt.%, preferably 0.4 to 2 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate; - the amino acid-based surfactant in a weight proportion of 0.05 to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate; - the hydrotrope in a weight proportion of 0.05 to 13 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 7 wt.%, more preferably 0.15 to 3.5 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate; - the enzyme in a weight proportion of 0.05 to 4 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

8. Use of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Surfactants are present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a maximum weight proportion of up to 30 wt.%, preferably up to 20 wt.%, even more preferably up to 13 wt.%, and / or anionic surfactants are present in the liquid cleaning agent concentrate in a maximum weight proportion of up to 20 wt.%, preferably up to 13 wt.%, in each case based on the total mass of the liquid cleaning agent concentrate.

9. Use of a ready-to-use application solution comprising 0.05 to 99.9% of a liquid cleaning agent concentrate, comprising: a. at least one fatty alcohol alkoxylate, b. at least one amino acid-based surfactant c. at least one hydrotrope, and d. at least one enzyme, preferably a proteolytic enzyme, wherein a pH of the ready-to-use application solution is 9 or >9, for cleaning and / or disinfecting instruments and / or apparatus from the high-frequency surgical field.

10. A method for cleaning and / or disinfecting surgical instruments and / or devices from the high-frequency surgical field with a liquid cleaning agent concentrate, comprising the following steps: a) providing a ready-to-use application solution according to claim 9, and b) cleaning and / or disinfecting the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices with the ready-to-use application solution.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe liquid cleaning agent concentrate is added to water to prepare the ready-to-use solution.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices for treatment are at least partially inserted into the ready-to-use application solution.

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices are placed in the ready-to-use application solution for a period of 5 minutes to 48 hours, preferably 1 to 24 hours, more preferably 1 to 12 hours.

14. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in thatthe cleaning and / or disinfection of the electrosurgical instruments and / or apparatus is carried out at a temperature of 38°C or less, preferably from 18 to 35°C, more preferably from 20 to 30°C, even more preferably from 22 to 27°C, even more preferably at about 25°C.

15. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the electrosurgical instruments and / or devices are removed from the application solution after cleaning and / or disinfection with the ready-to-use application solution and rinsed, preferably with water.

Images