Medical Device Sterilization System with Plasma-Based Detection of Residual Alcohol

Abstract

The method includes initiating a sterilization process in a sterilization apparatus while a medical device is positioned in a sterilization chamber of the sterilization apparatus. The method further includes monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process (e.g., a plasma power profile) to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device. Based on the monitoring, the method further includes determining whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device. If alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, the method further includes initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device. If alcohol is not determined to be present on or in the medical device, the method further includes completing sterilization of the medical device. The medical device may include an endoscope, such as a gastrointestinal endoscope.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Reusable medical devices, such as certain surgical instruments, endoscopes, etc., can be sterilized before reuse to minimize the chance that a contaminated device might be used on a patient. A variety of sterilization techniques can be employed, such as steam, hydrogen peroxide, and vapor-phase sterilization, with or without gas plasma and ethylene oxide (EtO).

[0002] Sterilization of medical devices may be performed using an automated sterilization system, such as the STERRAD® System by Advanced Sterilization Products of Irvine, Calif. Examples of automated sterilization systems are described in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,519, entitled "Power System for Sterilization Systems Employing Low Frequency Plasma," issued September 6, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,279, entitled "Sterilization with Temperature-Controlled Diffusion Path," issued February 8, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,277, entitled "Sterilization System Employing a Switching Module Adapter to Pulsate the Low Frequency Power Applied to a Plasma," issued February 8, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; No. 6,447,719, issued September 10, 2002, entitled "Method of Sterilizing Medical Devices, Analyzing Biological Indicators, and Linking Medical Device Sterilization Equipment," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0230279, published July 23, 2020, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Sterilizing Endoscope," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Each different medical device may require a different placement and sterilization process.

[0003] Although various systems and methods have been made and used for sterilizing medical devices, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used the techniques described herein.

[0004] The invention will be better understood from the following description of specific embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an example sterilization system. [Figure 2] 2 depicts a schematic diagram of an example of a sterilization cabinet that may be used with the system of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 3 depicts a flowchart of an example set of steps that the sterilization cabinet of FIG. 2 may perform to sterilize a medical device. [Figure 4] 1 depicts a graph showing an example of a plasma power profile during a sterilization cycle when there is no residual alcohol on the medical device being sterilized. [Figure 5] 1 depicts a graph showing an example of a plasma power profile during a sterilization cycle when residual alcohol is present on or in the medical device being sterilized. [Figure 6] 3 depicts a flowchart of one example set of steps that may be implemented to detect and address the presence of residual alcohol on or in a medical device in the sterilization cabinet of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The following description of a specific example of this technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of this technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is, by way of example, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out this technology. As will be understood, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects without departing from this technology. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0007] It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Accordingly, the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described below should not be viewed in isolation from one another. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0008] I. Sterilization System Overview 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary system (10) of interconnected devices that may be configured to perform a method associated with sterilization of medical devices (e.g., endoscopes and other medical devices). The system (10) of this example includes a sterilization cabinet (100), a biological indicator analyzer (102), a communications hub (20), a server (106), a user device (108), and a sterility guide database (110). The communications hub (20) is configured to provide for the transmission of data between the sterilization cabinet (100), the biological indicator analyzer (102), the communications hub (20), the server (106), the user device (108), and the sterility guide database (110), as described in further detail below.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary set of components that may be incorporated into a sterilization cabinet (100). The sterilization cabinet (100) may be configured to perform one or more sterilization cycles, with various sterilization cycles being suitable for various types and quantities of medical devices (e.g., endoscopes, etc.). The sterilization cabinet (100) of this example includes a sterilization chamber (152), which is configured to receive one or more medical devices for sterilization. The sterilization cabinet (100) also includes a sterilization module (156), which is operable to receive a sterilant cartridge (158) and dispense sterilant from the cartridge (158) into the sterilization chamber (152). The sterilization cabinet (100) further includes a touchscreen display (160), which is operable to render various user interface display screens and receive user input via user contact with the touchscreen display (160). The sterilization cabinet (100) may include various other types of user input features, including, but not limited to, buttons, keypads, keyboards, mice, trackballs, etc.

[0010] The sterilization cabinet (100) of this embodiment further includes a processor (162), a communications module (164), a reader (166), and a memory (168). The processor (162) may include one or more microprocessors and / or various other types of hardware, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The processor (162) is in communication with the various components of the sterilization cabinet (100) and is operable to process data and execute control algorithms to drive the various components of the sterilization cabinet (100). The communications module (164) is configured to enable bidirectional communication between the sterilization cabinet (100) and the communications hub (20). The communications module (164) may also be configured to enable bidirectional communication between the sterilization cabinet (100) and the server (106) and / or the sterility guide database (110). The reader (166) is operable to read identification tags of biological indicators and / or other devices as described herein. The memory (168) is operable to store control logic and instructions executed by the processor (162) to drive the components of the sterilization cabinet (100). The memory (168) may be used to store results associated with sterilization cycle setup, load adjustment cycle execution, sterilization cycle execution, and / or various other types of information. Various suitable components and configurations that may be used to form the processor (162), communication module (164), reader (166), and memory (168) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0011] The sterilization cabinet (100) of this example further includes a hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) in fluid communication with the sterilization chamber (152), the hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) operable to detect the level of hydrogen peroxide within the sterilization chamber (152). In some versions, the hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) detects the level of hydrogen peroxide within the sterilization chamber (152) using ultraviolet light. The hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) is in electrical communication with a processor (164), which can receive a signal from the hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) indicative of the level of hydrogen peroxide within the sterilization chamber (152). The processor (164) can automatically adjust parameters associated with a sterilization cycle being performed by the sterilization cabinet (100) and / or take other actions or refrain from taking certain actions in response to the real-time detected level of hydrogen peroxide within the sterilization chamber (152) as detected by the hydrogen peroxide sensor (154).

[0012] The sterilization cabinet (100) of this embodiment further includes a plasma generator (170) operable to generate plasma within the sterilization chamber (152). The plasma generator (170) is in electrical communication with the processor (164), which is operable to drive the plasma generator (170). The processor (164) can automatically adjust parameters associated with the plasma generated by the plasma generator (170). Such plasma-related adjustments can be based on a predetermined sterilization cycle routine, such as that stored in the memory (168). Additionally or alternatively, such plasma-related adjustments can be based on real-time sensed data. By way of example only, the processor (164) can adjust parameters associated with the plasma generated by the plasma generator (170) based at least in part on real-time data from the hydrogen peroxide sensor (154). Further to the foregoing, the processor (164) can be configured to track data associated with a power profile driving the plasma generator (170), such that the processor (164) can track data directly associated with the plasma itself in real time. The processor (164) can further adjust parameters associated with the plasma generated by the plasma generator (170) based at least in part on the real-time data from the power profile driving the plasma generator (170).

[0013] In addition to the foregoing, the sterilization cabinet (100) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of any of the patent documents previously cited herein: U.S. Pat. No. 10,668,180, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Sterilizing Medical Devices," issued June 2, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,561,753, entitled "Method of Sterilizing Medical Devices, Analyzing Biological Indicators, and Linking Medical Device Sterilization Equipment," issued February 18, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0014] In some cases, a biological indicator may be included in the sterilization cabinet (100, 150) along with the medical device during the sterilization process. The biological indicator may be activated prior to placement to allow microorganisms contained therein to grow unless successfully sterilized during the procedure. After the sterilization process, the number of microorganisms present in the biological indicator may be determined by the biological indicator analyzer (102) to confirm that the sterilization process was successful for the biological indicator, which also indicates that the sterilization procedure was successful for the medical device. The biological indicator analyzer (102) may receive the biological indicator, measure one or more characteristics of the biological indicator, and collect data that may be used to determine whether the biological indicator tests positive, indicating that contamination is present after the sterilization procedure; or tests negative, indicating that contamination is not present after the sterilization procedure.

[0015] By way of example only, biological indicators and biological indicator analyzers (102) may be described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,907,126, entitled "Self-Contained Biological Indicator," issued February 2, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Pat. No. 10,443,083, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Analyzing Biological Indicators," issued October 15, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Pat. No. 10,561,753, entitled "Method of Sterilizing Medical Devices, Analyzing Biological Indicators, and Linking Medical Device Sterilization," issued February 18, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,561,753, entitled "Biological Indicator with Variable Sterilization," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present invention may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least part of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 10,632,220, issued April 28, 2020, entitled "Mechanical Design for a High-Performance Digital Video Recorder," ... and entitled "Mechanical Design for a High-Performance Digital Video Recorder."

[0016] The server 106 may include a hospital records server or a hospital local area network server. The server 106 can receive information from the sterilization cabinet 100 regarding the sterilization procedures performed by the sterilization cabinet 100, such as the duration and results of the sterilization procedures; whether a particular sterilization procedure resulted in subsequent indications of biological contamination; the identity of the user or professional who initiated, canceled, or completed the sterilization procedure; consumable materials or supplies used during the sterilization procedure; diagnostic information and system errors; and / or other information. The server 106 can also receive data from the biological indicator analyzer 102 via the communications hub 20.

[0017] The user device (108) may include devices such as laptop computers, desktop computers, mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or other mobile computing devices; or proprietary devices with similar capabilities, including wired or wireless communication with devices such as the communications hub (20), processors and memory, displays, user interfaces, and other capabilities. The user device (108) may be used to access and view information associated with one or more components (100, 102, 110, 106) of the system (10) via the communications hub (20); and may also be used to create or change configurations and settings of the communications hub (20) and connected devices. A user of the user device (108) may view information and configure the device via, for example, a desktop software application, a mobile device software application, a web browser, or another software interface that may enable the user device (108) to exchange information with the communications hub (20). 1 as being in communication with the communications hub (20), several user devices (108) may be in communication with the communications hub (20). Similarly, several sterilization cabinets (100), several biological indicator analyzers (102), several servers (106), and several sterility guide databases (110) may be in communication with the communications hub (20).

[0018] Each of the components (100, 102, 110, 106) of the system (10) may be coupled to the communications hub (20) via any suitable wired and / or wireless communication technology, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, infrared, NFC, and / or other technologies. The communications hub (20) may relay data and the like between the components (100, 102, 110, 106) of the system (10) as described herein, with the communications hub (20) acting as an intermediary. Various suitable components and configurations that may be used to form the communications hub (20) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way of example only, communications hub (20) and / or user device (108) may be configured and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 10,596,287, entitled "Apparatus and Method to Link Medical Device Sterilization Equipment," issued on March 24, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,561,753, entitled "Method of Sterilizing Medical Devices, Analyzing Biological Indicators, and Linking Medical Device Sterilization Equipment," issued on February 18, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0019] II. Sterilization Process Overview FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary set of steps that the system (10) may implement as a sterilization process to sterilize a medical device (e.g., an endoscope, etc.). Initially, the sterilization cabinet (100) may display one or more sterilization cycles via the touchscreen display (160) and then receive a sterilization cycle selection from the user (block 200). The sterilization cabinet (100) may also display instructions indicating whether a biological indicator should be used with the selected sterilization cycle; and may receive a biological indicator identification (block 202). The biological indicator may be placed inside the sterilization chamber (152) before the sterilization cycle begins and may remain within the sterilization chamber (152) during the sterilization cycle. Thus, the user may identify a particular biological indicator (block 202) before the biological indicator is placed within the sterilization chamber (152).

[0020] The selection of a sterilization cycle (block 200) and identification of biological indicators (block 202) may establish one or more requirements for the configuration and placement of medical devices within the sterilization cabinet (100). The door of the sterilization chamber (152) may be opened and instructions may be displayed to guide the user in preparing the sterilization cycle (block 204), including placement of biological indicators, placement of medical devices, closing the sterilization chamber (152) door, and / or other changes in preparation. Prior to starting the actual sterilization cycle (block 208), the sterilization cabinet (100) may also perform a load adjustment (block 206) of the medical devices placed within the sterilization chamber (152). Such load conditioning (block 206) may include verifying that the sterilization chamber (152) is sealed; verifying the contents of the sterilization chamber (152); checking physical characteristics of the contents of the sterilization chamber (152), such as moisture level, volume of contents, weight of contents, internal temperature, or other characteristics; and / or performing one or more conditioning steps, which may include heat treatment, chemical treatment, plasma treatment, or other types of treatment to reduce moisture, increase temperature, and / or otherwise prepare the medical devices in the sterilization chamber (152) for the sterilization cycle.

[0021] Once the load adjustment (block 206) is complete, the selected sterilization cycle itself may be performed (block 208). The sterilization cycle (block 208) may include exposing the medical devices in the sterilization chamber (152) to pressurized sterilant gas (e.g., hydrogen peroxide vapor), additional heat treatment, chemical treatment, plasma treatment, vacuum treatment, and / or other types of sterilization treatment. After the sterilization cycle (block 208) is complete, the complete sterilization results may be displayed to the user via the touchscreen display (160); transmitted to the server (106); printed locally; and / or displayed, transmitted, and / or stored via other devices, if desired. Although block 208 is shown and described herein as a "sterilization cycle," the entire process shown in FIG. 3, including all steps of the process (blocks 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210), may be generally understood as a "sterilization process."

[0022] The sterilization cabinet (100) may also provide sterilization cycle results (block 210). The results (block 210) may include results from analysis of the biological indicator via the biological indicator analyzer (102). These results may include a positive or negative indication of contamination present in the biological indicator upon completion of the sterilization cycle (block 208). If the biological indicator indicates that contamination is present after completion of the sterilization cycle (block 208), additional measures may be taken, such as alerting the user of the positive test and analyzing the sterilization cycle history to determine whether other past cycles may have contributed to the contamination; and / or whether a subsequently sterilized medical device may require resterilization.

[0023] III. Detecting and Addressing Residual Alcohol on or in Medical Devices in a Sterilization System In some cases, medical devices that are sterilized within the sterilization chamber (152) may be subjected to a reprocessing step before being placed in the sterilization chamber (152). This reprocessing step may include placing the medical devices in a reprocessing system where they are cleaned and disinfected. By way of example only, such reprocessing may be performed using techniques described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0332891, published November 23, 2017, now abandoned, entitled "Apparatus and Method to Identify Endoscope Type and Provide Tailored Reprocessing," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 10,201,269, issued February 12, 2019, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Reprocessing a Medical Device," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 10,328,170, issued June 25, 2019, entitled "Dynamic Disinfectant Dosage with Concentrate Degradation Compensation," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and / or "Apparatus and Method to Measure Concentration of Disinfectant in Medical Device Reprocessing," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. No. 10,702,619, issued July 7, 2020, entitled "Method and System for Reducing Electrical and Electronic Components," which may be implemented at least in part according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 10,702,619, issued July 7, 2020, entitled "Method and System for Reducing Electrical and Electronic Components."

[0024] As part of the reprocessing step, the medical device may be exposed to alcohol (e.g., isopropyl alcohol) as a sterilant and / or to aid in drying the medical device. In some cases, some residual alcohol may remain on or within the medical device. In the context of an endoscope (e.g., a gastrointestinal endoscope), some such residual alcohol may remain within one or more working channels within the endoscope. Placing a medical device with residual alcohol into the sterilization chamber (152) and subsequently initiating the sterilization process while residual alcohol is still present on or within the medical device may produce undesirable results. For example, the presence of alcohol in the sterilization chamber (152) during the sterilization process may cause instability in the plasma generated by the plasma generator (170). For example, FIG. 4 depicts a graph (300) showing a plot (310) of a power profile associated with plasma generated in the sterilization chamber (152) by the plasma generator (170), such as during load adjustment (block 206) or a sterilization cycle (block 208), when there is no residual alcohol on the medical device in the sterilization chamber (152). As shown, the power delivered to the plasma generator (170) maintains a stable value of approximately 500 watts during the region (312) of the plot (310) where the power achieves the lower threshold (320) associated with generating a plasma. By way of example only, an acceptable plasma power range can range from approximately 450 watts to approximately 550 watts, and the threshold (320) can be approximately 450 watts.

[0025] 5 depicts a graph (350) showing a plot (360) of a power profile associated with plasma generated in the sterilization chamber (152) by the plasma generator (170), such as during a load adjustment (block 206) or a sterilization cycle (block 208), when there is some amount of residual alcohol on a medical device within the sterilization chamber (152). As shown, the power delivered to the plasma generator (170) becomes unstable and even drops below 450 watts (which, as previously discussed, may represent the minimum power level for generating plasma) during a first region (362) of the plot (360) where the power achieves the lower threshold (320) associated with generating plasma, but the power eventually achieves a stable value of approximately 500 watts during a second region (364) of the plot (360) where the power achieves the lower threshold (320) associated with generating plasma. The power delivered to the plasma generator 170 may be unstable during the first region 362 of the plot 360 due to the presence of alcohol, which affects the impedance at the electrodes (not shown) of the plasma generator 170. Although a stable value is eventually achieved in the plasma power profile, it may be desirable to avoid such unstable phases in the power profile, thereby consistently achieving the profile associated with the graph 300. While the plot 360 shows that the power level achieves the lower threshold 320 associated with plasma generation before becoming unstable, there may be scenarios in which the plasma power profile becomes unstable before reaching the lower threshold 320 associated with plasma generation.

[0026] Additionally, or alternatively, the presence of alcohol on or in a medical device during a sterilization process may cause premature degradation of the medical device being sterilized in the sterilization chamber (152). Additionally, or alternatively, the presence of alcohol in the sterilization chamber (152) during a sterilization process may impair the efficacy of the sterilization process. Additionally, or alternatively, the presence of alcohol in the sterilization chamber (152) during a sterilization process may create a safety risk during subsequent use of the medical device. For at least the foregoing reasons, it may be desirable to provide a version of the sterilization cabinet (100), and a method of operating the sterilization cabinet (100), that is capable of detecting the presence of alcohol in the sterilization chamber (152) before the sterilization process has begun or been completed. Similarly, it may be desirable to provide a version of the sterilization cabinet (100), and a method of operating the sterilization cabinet (100), that is capable of eliminating alcohol detected in the sterilization chamber (152) before the sterilization process has begun or been completed.

[0027] As previously discussed in comparing graphs (300, 350) in FIGS. 5-6, the presence of alcohol on or in a medical device within the sterilization chamber (152) can affect the power profile associated with the plasma generated within the sterilization chamber (152) by the plasma generator (170). Accordingly, the power profile associated with the plasma generated within the sterilization chamber (152) can be monitored to detect the presence of alcohol within the sterilization chamber (152). Such monitoring can be performed by the processor (162) and / or any other suitable hardware component of the sterilization cabinet (100) as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. FIG. 6 depicts a method (400) by which such monitoring can be performed. By way of example only, method (400) can be performed as part of the load adjustment phase (block 206), as part of the sterilization cycle (block 208), and / or at any other suitable time. Further by way of example only, method (400) can be performed prior to the load adjustment phase (block 206).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, method (400) begins with activation of plasma via plasma generator (170) (block 410). As power is delivered to plasma generator (170), the power profile is monitored (block 420) to determine whether the power remains constant after exceeding a threshold value (320) associated with plasma generation (e.g., as shown in region (312) of plot (310) in FIG. 4) or whether the power becomes unstable after exceeding a threshold value (320) associated with plasma generation (e.g., as shown in region (362) of plot (360) in FIG. 5). As previously described, such monitoring (block 420) may be performed by processor (162). If processor (162) determines that the power profile is acceptable (block 430), method (400) may continue with a normal sterilization routine (block 440). If method (400) is performed before or as part of load adjustment (block 206), the sterilization cabinet (100) may continue with load adjustment (block 206) at this point (block 440). If method (400) is performed between load adjustment (block 206) and the sterilization cycle (block 208), the sterilization cabinet (100) may continue with the sterilization cycle (block 208) at this point (block 440). Alternatively, the sterilization cabinet (100) may proceed with any other stage of the sterilization routine that may follow method (400) (block 440), as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0029] If the processor (162) determines (block 430) that the plasma power profile is not acceptable and that such power profile test (block 430) has failed, the processor (162) may determine whether a failure limit has been reached (block 450). As described below, the sterilization cabinet (100) may repeat a routine in an attempt to eliminate residual alcohol on or in the medical device within the sterilization chamber (152), but it may be desirable to set a limit on how many such iterations can be performed before the process is aborted (block 460). In some versions, the method (400) is configured so that up to four failed power profile tests (block 430) can be tolerated, but no more than five failed tests can be tolerated. Alternatively, any other suitable failure limit can be used. Regardless of which failure limit is used, the method (400) can be aborted (block 460) if the failure limit is reached. If method (400) is aborted (block 460), processor (162) may activate touchscreen display (160) to notify the operator that residual alcohol has been detected and cannot be removed; and may further instruct the operator to retrieve the medical device from sterilization chamber (152) and re-pass the medical device through the reprocessing system before reintroducing the medical device into sterilization chamber (152). Alternatively, the operator may be prompted to take any other appropriate action if method (400) is aborted (block 460).

[0030] If the processor (162) determines that the plasma power profile is not acceptable (block 430) and further determines that a failure limit has not yet been reached (block 450), the processor (162) may drive the touchscreen display (160) to notify the operator that residual alcohol has been detected and that the sterilization cabinet (100) will attempt to remove the residual alcohol (e.g., via the load adjustment block (206)). The processor (162) may further extinguish the plasma by shutting off the plasma generator (170) (block 470). The processor (162) may then evacuate the sterilization chamber (152) (block 480). By way of example only, the sterilization chamber (152) may be vented to atmosphere as part of the process of evacuating the sterilization chamber (152) (block 480). Additionally or alternatively, a vacuum may be applied to the sterilization chamber (152) to evacuate the sterilization chamber (152) (block 480). By way of example only, the sterilization chamber (152) may be actively evacuated (eg, via a vacuum pump) for approximately one minute.

[0031] Once the sterilization chamber (152) has been sufficiently evacuated (block 480), the method (400) can begin again through another iteration by activating (block 410) a plasma within the sterilization chamber (152). To achieve plasma reactivation (block 410), the sterilization chamber (152) can first be vented (block 490) to achieve a plasma ignition pressure of approximately 500 mT, after which the plasma generator (170) can be activated to ignite the plasma (block 410).

[0032] In some cases, the process of extinguishing the plasma (block 470), evacuating the sterilization chamber (152) (block 480), and reactivating the plasma (block 410) can reduce or eliminate residual alcohol on or in the medical devices within the sterilization chamber (152). In some variations, the method (400) can include additional steps as part of the process to remove residual alcohol from the medical devices. For example, the sterilization cabinet (100) can circulate warm, dry air through the sterilization chamber (152) and over the medical devices for a predetermined period of time. Additionally or alternatively, the method (400) can repeatedly evacuate the sterilization chamber (152) (block 480) and vent the sterilization chamber (152) (block 490) in a pulsed manner before reactivating the plasma (block 410). Additionally or alternatively, method (400) may provide for venting the sterilization chamber (152) to atmosphere and then maintaining the pressure within the sterilization chamber (152) at atmospheric pressure for a predetermined period of time to allow for warm air convection within the sterilization chamber (152); and then evacuating the sterilization chamber (152) to remove evaporated alcohol. Additionally or alternatively, method (400) may provide for maintaining a constant pressure (e.g., approximately 500 mT) within the sterilization chamber (152) for a predetermined period of time. Similarly, method (400) may isolate the sterilization chamber (152) at a constant pressure and monitor the increase in pressure within the sterilization chamber (152) to determine whether moisture has been removed or whether moisture is still present within the sterilization chamber (152) (e.g., as influenced by the presence of moisture on or in the medical device within the sterilization chamber (152)). Alternatively, any other steps may be taken in addition to or in place of the various steps described above to address the presence of residual alcohol on or in the medical devices within the sterilization chamber (152).

[0033] In some scenarios where steps are being taken to remove residual alcohol, method (400) may provide a longer duration of the reactivated plasma (block 410) in a second or subsequent iteration of method (400). This longer duration of the reactivated plasma (block 410) may be calculated to offset the time taken between the plasma extinguishing step (block 470), the evacuation step (block 480), and the venting step (block 490) (and any other steps that may be being taken in an attempt to remove residual alcohol). In other words, processor (162) may integrate the plasma power curve versus time to ensure that the total power required is delivered, as may be predicted in the load adjustment (block 206) or sterilization cycle (block 208) if residual alcohol is not present in the medical device.

[0034] As previously mentioned, method 400 can be repeated until a failure limit is reached (due to stubborn residual alcohol) or the plasma power profile is found to be acceptable (due to residual alcohol finally being absent).

[0035] In some variations of method (400), the first iteration may determine that there is simply too much residual alcohol within the sterilization chamber (152) (due to the presence of excessive residual alcohol on or in the medical device therein), and therefore the sterilization process must be stopped without even attempting the previously described iterations to remove the residual alcohol. By way of example only, processor (162) may determine that the amount of residual alcohol is “excessive” if two or more conditions are met. One such condition may include an unstable plasma power profile, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5 . Another such condition may include an excessively long sterilization chamber (152) evacuation time to achieve a target plasma pressure (e.g., approximately 500 mT). Examples of appropriate time thresholds for determining whether such time is “excessive” will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. If both such conditions are found in the same cycle, processor (162) may determine that the amount of residual alcohol is “excessive”; the sterilization process may be stopped without attempting the previously described iterations to remove the residual alcohol.

[0036] In some variations of method (400), certain other parameters may be monitored, in addition to or instead of monitoring plasma power, to determine whether residual alcohol is present on or in the medical devices within sterilization chamber (152). By way of example only, in versions in which hydrogen peroxide vapor is used as the sterilant during the sterilization cycle (block 208), processor (162) may track signals from hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) to determine whether hydrogen peroxide decomposition follows an expected curve or whether the hydrogen peroxide vapor decomposes at a rate that deviates from the expected decomposition curve. If alcohol is present on or in the medical devices within sterilization chamber (152), the hydrogen peroxide vapor within sterilization chamber (152) may decompose faster than would otherwise be expected. Thus, a substantial deviation from the expected curve of hydrogen peroxide decomposition may indicate the presence of alcohol on or in the medical devices within sterilization chamber (152). Processor (162) may include such real-time data from hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) in variations of method (400). By way of example only, real-time data from the hydrogen peroxide sensor (154) may be analyzed in addition to or instead of the plasma power profile as part of determining (block 430) whether residual alcohol is present on or in the medical device within the sterilization chamber (152).

[0037] IV. Exemplary Combinations The following examples illustrate various, non-exhaustive methods in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in any subsequent application thereto. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are provided merely for illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit particular features referred to in the following examples. Accordingly, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless later expressly indicated as such by the inventor or the inventor's successor in interest. If any claim including additional features other than those referred to below is presented in this application or in a subsequent application related to this application, those additional features will not be deemed added for patentability reasons.

[0038] Example 1 1. A method comprising: (a) initiating a sterilization process in a sterilization apparatus while a medical device is positioned within a sterilization chamber of the sterilization apparatus; (b) monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; (c) (i) determining that alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitoring, or (ii) determining that alcohol is not present on or in the medical device based on the monitoring; and (d) (i) initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device if alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, (ii) completing sterilization of the medical device if alcohol is not determined to be present on or in the medical device, or (iii) aborting the sterilization process if an amount of alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device.

[0039] Example 2 The method of example 1, wherein the medical device comprises an endoscope.

[0040] Example 3 The method of example 2, wherein the endoscopy comprises a gastrointestinal endoscopy.

[0041] Example 4 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sterilization process comprises a load conditioning cycle followed by a sterilization cycle.

[0042] Example 5 5. The method of example 4, wherein the load adjustment cycle is configured to one or both of: reduce moisture in the medical device or increase the temperature of the medical device.

[0043] Example 6 The method of example 4 or 5, wherein the monitoring is performed during a load adjustment cycle.

[0044] Example 7 7. The method of any of Examples 4 to 6, wherein the monitoring is performed during a sterilization cycle.

[0045] Example 8 8. The method of any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the sterilization process comprises applying plasma to a sterilization chamber.

[0046] Example 9 9. The method of example 8, wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring a power profile associated with the plasma.

[0047] Example 10 10. The method of example 9, wherein determining that alcohol is present comprises determining that a power profile associated with the plasma becomes unstable before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with generating the plasma.

[0048] Example 11 10. The method of example 9, wherein determining that alcohol is not present comprises determining that a power profile associated with the plasma remains stable after the power level reaches a threshold associated with generating the plasma.

[0049] Example 12 12. The method of any of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating alcohol on or in the medical device comprises extinguishing the plasma.

[0050] Example 13 13. The method of example 11 or 12, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating alcohol on or in the medical device comprises evacuating the sterilization chamber.

[0051] Example 14 14. The method of example 13, wherein evacuating the sterilization chamber comprises applying a vacuum to the sterilization chamber.

[0052] Example 15 15. The method of any of examples 1 to 14, wherein the sterilization process comprises delivering hydrogen peroxide vapor to the sterilization chamber.

[0053] Example 16 The method of example 15, wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring a decomposition curve associated with hydrogen peroxide vapor.

[0054] Example 17 17. The method of example 16, wherein determining that alcohol is present comprises determining that the decomposition rate of the hydrogen peroxide vapor exceeds an expected decomposition curve.

[0055] Example 18 18. The method of any of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating alcohol on or in the medical device comprises evacuating the sterilization chamber.

[0056] Example 19 19. The method of example 18, wherein evacuating the sterilization chamber comprises applying a vacuum to the sterilization chamber.

[0057] Example 20 20. The method of any of Examples 1 to 19, further comprising, if alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device before performing a subsequent iteration of at least a portion of the sterilization process again.

[0058] Example 21 21. The method of example 20, further comprising monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process during subsequent iterations to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device.

[0059] Example 22 The method of Example 21, further comprising: (a) determining, based on the monitoring, that alcohol is still present on or in the medical device during subsequent repetitions; (b) determining whether a predetermined number of repetitions of at least a portion of the sterilization process have been performed; and (c) (i) initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device if the predetermined number of repetitions has not been performed, or (ii) stopping the sterilization process if the predetermined number of repetitions has been performed.

[0060] Example 23 23. The method of example 22, wherein stopping the sterilization process comprises prompting the operator to remove the medical device from the sterilization chamber.

[0061] Example 24 24. The method of any of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the method is performed by a processor of the sterilizer.

[0062] Example 25 1. A method comprising: (a) generating a plasma in a sterilization chamber of a sterilization apparatus while a medical device is positioned in the sterilization chamber; (b) monitoring a power profile associated with the plasma to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; and (c) determining, using a processor, whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitored power profile.

[0063] Example 26 The method of Example 25, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device results in a determination that alcohol is present on or in the medical device, and the method further includes initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device.

[0064] Example 27 The method of example 26, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating alcohol on or in the medical device comprises extinguishing the plasma.

[0065] Example 28 28. The method of example 26 or 27, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating alcohol on or in the medical device comprises evacuating the sterilization chamber.

[0066] Example 29 26. The method of example 25, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device results in a determination that alcohol is not present on or in the medical device, and the method further includes completing sterilization of the medical device.

[0067] Example 30 30. The method of any of Examples 25 to 29, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitored power profile includes determining whether the power profile associated with the plasma remains stable or becomes unstable before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

[0068] Example 31 1. A system comprising: (a) a sterilization chamber operable to receive a medical device; and (b) a processor operable to drive a sterilization process on the medical device in the sterilization chamber, the processor further configured to: (i) monitor one or more parameters of the sterilization process to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; (ii) determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitoring; and (iii) based on whether alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, (A) initiate a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device, (B) complete sterilization of the medical device, or (C) abort the sterilization process if an amount of alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device.

[0069] Example 32 32. The system of example 31, further comprising a plasma generator, the plasma generator operable to generate plasma within the sterilization chamber.

[0070] Example 33 33. The system of example 32, wherein the processor is operable to drive the plasma generator.

[0071] Example 34 34. The system of example 32 or 33, wherein the processor is further configured to monitor a power profile associated with driving the plasma generator.

[0072] Example 35 The system described in Example 34, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the behavior of the power profile before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

[0073] Example 36 The system of Example 35, wherein the processor is configured to determine that alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the power profile becoming unstable before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

[0074] Example 37 The system described in Example 35 or 36, wherein the processor is configured to determine that alcohol is not present on or in the medical device based on the power profile remaining stable after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

[0075] Example 38 A system described in any of Examples 31 to 37, wherein the processor is configured to extinguish the plasma as part of a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device.

[0076] Example 39 A system described in any of Examples 31 to 38, wherein the processor is configured to evacuate the sterilization chamber as part of a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device.

[0077] Example 40 The system of Example 39, wherein the processor is configured to induce a vacuum within the sterilization chamber to evacuate the sterilization chamber as part of a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device.

[0078] V. Other It should be understood that all or part of a patent, publication, or other disclosure material said to be incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not contradict existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Thus, to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, said to be incorporated herein by reference that contradicts existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosure material set forth herein is incorporated only to the extent that no contradiction arises between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0079] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein can be achieved by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Some of these possible modifications have been mentioned above, while other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometric features, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, etc. described above are illustrative and not required. Accordingly, it is understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in light of the following claims and is not limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0080] [Embodiment] (1) A method comprising: (a) initiating a sterilization process in a sterilizer while a medical device is positioned within a sterilization chamber of the sterilizer; (b) monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; and (c)(i) determining based on said monitoring that alcohol is present on or in said medical device; or (ii) determining based on said monitoring that alcohol is not present on or in said medical device; and (d)(i) if alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device; (ii) completing sterilization of the medical device if alcohol is not determined to be present on or in the medical device; or (iii) stopping the sterilization process if an amount of alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device. (2) The method of embodiment 1, wherein the medical device comprises an endoscope. (3) The method of embodiment 2, wherein the endoscope comprises a gastrointestinal endoscope. (4) The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sterilization process includes a load conditioning cycle followed by a sterilization cycle. (5) The method of embodiment 4, wherein the load adjustment cycle is configured to perform one or both of a decrease in moisture within the medical device or an increase in temperature of the medical device.

[0081] (6) The method of any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the monitoring is performed during the load adjustment cycle. (7) The method of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the monitoring is performed during the sterilization cycle. (8) A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sterilization process comprises applying plasma to the sterilization chamber. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring a power profile associated with the plasma. (10) The method of embodiment 9, wherein determining that alcohol is present includes determining that the power profile associated with plasma becomes unstable before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

[0082] (11) The method of embodiment 9, wherein determining that alcohol is not present includes determining that the power profile associated with plasma generation remains stable after a power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation. (12) The method of any one of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device includes extinguishing the plasma. (13) The method of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device includes evacuating the sterilization chamber. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein evacuating the sterilization chamber comprises applying a vacuum to the sterilization chamber. (15) The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sterilization process includes delivering hydrogen peroxide vapor to the sterilization chamber.

[0083] 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring a decomposition curve associated with the hydrogen peroxide vapor. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein determining that alcohol is present comprises determining that the decomposition rate of the hydrogen peroxide vapor exceeds an expected decomposition curve. (18) The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device includes evacuating the sterilization chamber. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein evacuating the sterilization chamber comprises applying a vacuum to the sterilization chamber. (20) The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising, if alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, re-performing a subsequent iteration of at least a portion of the sterilization process after initiating the routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device.

[0084] 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process during the subsequent iteration to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device. (22) (a) determining, based on said monitoring, that alcohol is still present on or in said medical device during said subsequent iteration; (b) determining whether a predetermined number of iterations of the at least a portion of the sterilization process have been performed; and (c)(i) initiating the routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device if the predetermined number of repetitions has not been performed; or 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: (ii) stopping the sterilization process when the predetermined number of iterations has been performed. (23) The method of embodiment 22, wherein halting the sterilization process includes prompting an operator to remove the medical device from the sterilization chamber. (24) The method of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the method is performed by a processor of the sterilization device. (25) A method comprising: (a) generating a plasma within a sterilization chamber of a sterilization apparatus while a medical device is positioned within the sterilization chamber; (b) monitoring a power profile associated with the plasma to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; and (c) using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitored power profile.

[0085] (26) The method of embodiment 25, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device results in a determination that alcohol is present on or in the medical device, and the method further includes initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device. (27) The method of embodiment 26, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device includes extinguishing the plasma. (28) The method of embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device includes evacuating the sterilization chamber. (29) The method of embodiment 25, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device results in a determination that alcohol is not present on or in the medical device, and the method further includes completing sterilization of the medical device. (30) A method according to any of embodiments 25 to 29, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitored power profile includes determining whether the power profile associated with the plasma remains stable or becomes unstable before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

[0086] (31) A system comprising: (a) a sterilization chamber operable to receive a medical device; (b) a processor operable to drive a sterilization process on medical devices within the sterilization chamber; (i) monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; (ii) determining whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on said monitoring; (iii) based on whether alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device; (A) initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device; or (B) completing the sterilization of the medical device; or (C) stopping the sterilization process if an amount of alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device. and a processor further configured to: (32) The system of embodiment 31, further comprising a plasma generator, the plasma generator operable to generate plasma within the sterilization chamber. (33) The system of embodiment 32, wherein the processor is operable to drive the plasma generator. (34) The system of any one of claims 32 to 33, wherein the processor is further configured to monitor a power profile associated with driving the plasma generator. (35) The system of embodiment 34, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on behavior of the power profile before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

[0087] (36) The system of embodiment 35, wherein the processor is configured to determine that alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the power profile becoming unstable before or after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation. (37) The system of embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the processor is configured to determine that alcohol is not present on or in the medical device based on the power profile remaining stable after the power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation. (38) The system of any one of embodiments 31 to 37, wherein the processor is configured to extinguish the plasma as part of the routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device. (39) The system of any of embodiments 31 to 38, wherein the processor is configured to evacuate the sterilization chamber as part of the routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device. (40) The system of embodiment 39, wherein the processor is configured to induce a vacuum in the sterilization chamber to evacuate the sterilization chamber as part of the routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device.

Claims

1. A method performed by a processor of a sterilization apparatus, comprising: (a) initiating a sterilization process in the sterilizer while a medical device is positioned within a sterilization chamber of the sterilizer; (b) monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; and (c) (i) determining that alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on said monitoring; or (ii) determining based on said monitoring that alcohol is not present on or in said medical device; and (d) (i) initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate alcohol on or in the medical device if alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device; or (ii) continuing the sterilization process if alcohol is not determined to be present on or in the medical device.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the medical device comprises an endoscope.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sterilization process includes a load conditioning cycle followed by a sterilization cycle, the load conditioning cycle configured to one or both of reducing moisture within the medical device or increasing the temperature of the medical device.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the monitoring is performed during the load adjustment cycle.

5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the monitoring is performed during the sterilization cycle.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sterilization process includes applying a plasma to the sterilization chamber.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring a power profile associated with the plasma, and determining that alcohol is present comprises determining that the power profile associated with the plasma becomes unstable before or after a power level reaches a threshold associated with generating a plasma.

8. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring a power profile associated with the plasma, and determining that alcohol is not present comprises determining that the power profile associated with the plasma remains stable after a power level reaches a threshold associated with generating a plasma.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sterilization process includes delivering hydrogen peroxide vapor to the sterilization chamber.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the monitoring comprises monitoring a decomposition curve associated with the hydrogen peroxide vapor, and determining that alcohol is present comprises determining that a decomposition rate of the hydrogen peroxide vapor exceeds an expected decomposition curve.

11. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device comprises evacuating the sterilization chamber.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein evacuating the sterilization chamber comprises applying a vacuum to the sterilization chamber.

13. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising, if alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, re-performing a subsequent iteration of at least a portion of the sterilization process after initiating the routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process during the subsequent iteration to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device.

15. (a) determining, based on said monitoring, that alcohol is still present on or in said medical device during said subsequent iteration; (b) determining whether a predetermined number of the at least some subsequent iterations of the sterilization process have been performed; and (c) (i) initiating the routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device if the predetermined number of repetitions has not been performed; or 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: (ii) stopping the sterilization process when the predetermined number of iterations has been performed.

16. 1. A method comprising: (a) generating a plasma within a sterilization chamber of a sterilization apparatus while a medical device is positioned within the sterilization chamber; (b) monitoring a power profile associated with the plasma to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; (c) using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitored power profile.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device results in a determination that alcohol is present on or in the medical device, and the method further includes initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device includes extinguishing the plasma.

19. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the routine for reducing or eliminating the alcohol on or in the medical device includes evacuating the sterilization chamber.

20. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device results in a determination that alcohol is not present on or in the medical device, and the method further includes completing sterilization of the medical device.

21. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein using a processor to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the monitored power profile includes determining whether the power profile associated with the plasma remains stable or becomes unstable before or after a power level reaches a threshold associated with plasma generation.

22. A system for sterilization, comprising: (a) a sterilization chamber operable to receive a medical device; (b) a processor operable to drive a sterilization process on medical devices within the sterilization chamber; (i) monitoring one or more parameters of the sterilization process to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device; (ii) determining whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the one or more parameters; (iii) based on whether alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device; (A) initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device; and a processor further configured to:

23. 23. The system of claim 22, further comprising a plasma generator operable to generate plasma within the sterilization chamber, the processor operable to drive the plasma generator, the processor further configured to monitor a power profile associated with driving the plasma generator, the processor configured to determine whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on behavior of the power profile before or after a power level reaches a threshold associated with generating plasma, the processor configured to determine that alcohol is present on or in the medical device based on the power profile becoming unstable before or after the power level reaches the threshold associated with generating plasma, and the processor configured to determine that alcohol is not present on or in the medical device based on the power profile remaining stable after the power level reaches the threshold associated with generating plasma.

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