Methods and apparatus for sterilizing medical instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for sterilizing medical instruments, such as dental instruments, is provided, comprising placing the medical instrument in a chamber, supplying a sterilant comprising recombined ionized humidified air, controlling the temperature of the medical instrument and / or the chamber such that the temperature of the medical instrument is lower than the temperature of the chamber, and at least partially condensing the sterilant on the medical instrument.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the sterilization of medical instruments such as dental instruments.

Background Art

[0002] Reusable medical instruments are instruments that can be reused by healthcare providers when diagnosing and / or treating multiple patients. Examples of reusable medical instruments include medical instruments used for dental treatment such as scalpels, syringes, scopes, mirrors, drills, burs, disks, handpieces, excavators, turbines, files, and reamers.

[0003] When such medical instruments are used on patients, they become contaminated with blood, tissue, and other biological debris such as microorganisms. To avoid the risk of infection from contaminated instruments, reusable instruments can be sterilized. Sterilization renders a medical instrument safe for multiple uses on the same patient or multiple patients. Proper sterilization of reusable medical instruments is essential to ensure patient safety.

[0004] Various sterilizing agents may be used for the sterilization of medical instruments. Conventionally, steam and / or hydrogen peroxide have been used. Recently, plasma devices ionize a gas or gas mixture to use the ionized gas as a sterilizing agent. Electrons in the plasma affect gas molecules, causing dissociation and ionization of these molecules to generate a mixture of reactive species. It is known to expose medical instruments directly to plasma or to expose medical instruments to recombining plasma, which is also (partially) referred to as afterglow. See S. Moreau et al., "Inactivation of Bacillus subtilis Spores Using Flowing Plasma Afterglow: Effect of Operating Conditions", J. Appl. Phys. Vol. 88, No. 2, 15 July 2000.

[0005] Several attempts have been made to improve plasma sterilization. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2011 / 0027125A1 discloses a system comprising a free radical generating chamber and plasma generator combined with the use of a hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0006] There is a need for more efficient and effective plasma sterilization. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a method and system for sterilizing medical instruments such as dental instruments. It also aims to provide a more efficient and / or effective method and system for sterilizing medical instruments such as dental instruments.

[0008] The present invention provides a method for sterilizing medical instruments, such as dental instruments. The method comprises the step of placing one or more medical instruments in a chamber. The medical instruments are preferably dry or dried after a rinsing and / or washing step performed beforehand, and before sterilization. The method also comprises the step of providing a sterilizer containing recombined ionized humidified air, i.e., humidified air that has been ionized and at least partially recombinable. Recombined ionized humidified air can be obtained by treating air with a plasma device. For example, it can be obtained by supplying an airflow through a plasma source and at least partially recombining the ionized air. Before supplying the air to the plasma source, the air may be humidified, for example, to obtain a clearly defined humidity of air. In this specification, “air” means ambient air, or an air-like gas mixture of nitrogen gas and oxygen gas with further additives such as carbon oxide gas. The method comprises the step of controlling the temperature of the medical instruments and / or the chamber such that the temperature of the medical instruments is lower than the temperature of the chamber. By lowering the instrument's temperature below the chamber's temperature, the sterilizing agent can be allowed to condense on the instrument while simultaneously preventing it from condensing on, for example, the chamber's walls. Preferably, the temperature of the medical instrument and the chamber wall temperature are selected such that the sterilizing agent condenses on the instrument while preventing condensation on the chamber walls. In this case, the sterilizing agent is efficiently used to sterilize the instrument rather than the chamber. Thus, the temperature of the medical instrument, the chamber temperature, and the humidity of the sterilizing agent may be appropriately selected. The condensation of the sterilizing agent on the instrument has a beneficial effect on the effectiveness of sterilization. While we do not wish to be bound by any theory, it is thought that condensation not only allows for adequate coating of the entire surface of the instrument with the sterilizing agent, but also provides a synergistic effect between the active ingredients of the sterilizing agent and the water in the condensate.

[0009] If necessary, medical devices may be cooled. Cooling medical devices to a temperature below the chamber temperature can be achieved by simple means. Alternatively, medical devices can be cooled by maintaining a temperature below the chamber temperature to prevent them from being heated by the chamber.

[0010] If necessary, medical instruments may be cooled before being placed in the chamber. In this case, cooling can be simplified because it is not limited to the confined space of the chamber. For example, medical instruments may be cooled in a cooling chamber before being transferred to the chamber for sterilization.

[0011] If necessary, the medical device may be cooled within the chamber. This provides a simple method that does not require heat pretreatment of the medical device and allows it to be simply inserted into the chamber. It also avoids undesirable condensation on the medical device before it is exposed to the sterilizing agent.

[0012] If necessary, the chamber walls can be heated to a temperature exceeding that of the medical device. By actively heating the chamber walls, the chamber temperature becomes independent of the ambient temperature. Furthermore, controlling the chamber temperature can more effectively and / or efficiently prevent the condensation of the sterilizer on the chamber walls. By heating the chamber and maintaining a temperature above that of the medical device, the chamber may be prevented from being cooled by the medical device.

[0013] At least when supplying the sterilizer to the chamber, preferably for the entire duration of the sterilization operation, the temperature of the medical instrument is lower than the chamber temperature. If necessary, the medical instrument is cooled or kept below ambient temperature. If necessary, the chamber walls are heated or kept above ambient temperature. The medical instrument is, for example, cooled or kept below a predetermined temperature. The chamber walls may be heated or maintained to, for example, 25°C or higher. If necessary, the medical instrument is cooled to below the dew point of at least one of the components of the sterilizer. This may further promote the condensation of the sterilizer onto the medical instrument. If necessary, the chamber walls are heated or maintained above the dew point of at least one of the components of the sterilizer mixture. The humidified air, at least partially recombined and ionized, may contain, for example, reactive oxygen species and / or nitrogen species generated in the plasma source. In this case, the sterilizer mixture may contain one or more of the following components: O2, O2⁻, O', O3, O, OH, H, H2, HO2, NOx, H2O2, and OH⁻.

[0014] At least at the start of the sterilization process, the temperature difference between the medical instrument and the chamber wall may be approximately 5°C or more, for example, approximately 10°C or more, for example, approximately 15°C or more. While we do not wish to be bound by any theory, it has been found that such a temperature difference has a beneficial effect on sterilization efficiency and / or sterilization effect.

[0015] If necessary, one or more medical instruments are placed in a container, and the container is placed in the chamber. The container is configured to be airtight, or at least to provide a microbial barrier that prevents microorganisms from entering and / or leaving the internal space of the container. In this case, one or more contaminated medical instruments can be easily placed in the container, for example, safely to an operator, and can be inserted into the chamber while still in the container. The medical instruments can be sterilized in the chamber while still in the container. The container may be cooled to a temperature lower than the chamber temperature. Thus, the medical instruments in the container can be easily cooled together with the container. Also, containers that may be similarly contaminated can be easily sterilized. After sterilization, the container may be airtight or at least closed to provide a microbial barrier that prevents microorganisms from entering the internal space of the container, preferably while still in the chamber. Thus, the sterilized medical instruments are stored in the container in a sterile state for future use.

[0016] If necessary, the pressure inside the chamber may be reduced before supplying the sterilizer. In this case, the sterilizer does not need to displace any gas already present in the chamber, or at least displaces only a small amount of it. Therefore, the sterilizer can be efficiently delivered to the medical instruments to be sterilized.

[0017] If necessary, medical devices are cooled using a gas or gas mixture such as air. The gas may be a cooled gas. Cooling may be performed by exposing the medical device to a flow of gas. Cooling may also include atomizing water into a flow of cooling gas and causing the atomized water and cooling gas flow to collide with the medical device. In this case, efficient cooling of the medical device can be achieved.

[0018] If necessary, the step of providing the sterilizer includes providing a plasma source, supplying a flow of humidified air through the plasma source, at least partially ionizing the airflow, and at least partially recombining the airflow.

[0019] If necessary, sterilization is performed at or below ambient pressure. Sterilization can be performed, for example, at approximately 800–1050 mbar. The plasma source may be an ambient pressure plasma source. A normal pressure plasma source may be operated at a pressure of, for example, 800–1200 mbar.

[0020] If necessary, this method includes a step of cleaning the medical instruments before sterilization. For example, a flow of cooling gas, such as atomized water, may be supplied to the cleaned medical instruments to dry and cool them. The medical instruments thus dried and cooled may then be exposed to a sterilizing agent. It will be understood that drying and cooling medical instruments with an airflow containing atomized water can also be separately used for sterilizing or disinfecting other types of medical instruments, such as dental instruments.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for sterilizing medical instruments is provided. The apparatus comprises a chamber configured to hold one or more medical instruments. The apparatus comprises a sterilizer source configured to supply a sterilizer containing recombined ionized humidified air. The apparatus also comprises a temperature control unit configured to control the temperature of the medical instruments and / or the chamber so that the temperature of the medical instruments is below the temperature of the chamber. As described above, by placing the medical instruments at a temperature below the temperature of the chamber, for example, below the temperature of the chamber walls, it is possible to prevent, for example, the condensation of the sterilizer on the chamber walls while simultaneously promoting the condensation of at least one component of the sterilizer on the medical instruments. In this case, the sterilizer is efficiently used to sterilize the instruments rather than sterilizing the chamber.

[0022] Optionally, the temperature control unit has a cooling unit configured to cool the medical instrument to a temperature below the temperature of the chamber so that the sterilant condenses on the medical instrument. The cooling unit may be configured to maintain the medical instrument at a temperature below the temperature of the chamber.

[0023] Optionally, the cooling unit is configured to cool the medical instrument before placing the medical instrument in the chamber. Optionally, the cooling unit is configured to cool the medical instrument within the chamber.

[0024] Optionally, the cooling unit is configured to control the temperature of the medical instrument to, for example, a predetermined temperature. For this purpose, the cooling unit may include a temperature sensor and a controller.

[0025] Optionally, the temperature control unit includes a heating unit configured to heat the chamber wall to a temperature above the temperature of the medical instrument. The heating unit may be configured to maintain the chamber at a temperature above the temperature of the medical instrument.

[0026] Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a container configured to receive a medical instrument and be placed within the chamber. The cooling unit may be configured to cool the container to a temperature below the temperature of the chamber.

[0027] Optionally, the apparatus comprises a pump configured to reduce the pressure inside the chamber before supplying the sterilant to the chamber.

[0028] Optionally, the cooling unit has a gas conduit configured to cool the medical instrument using a gas such as air. The gas conduit has an opening such as one or more nozzles, and can direct the gas flow towards the medical instrument and / or the container. The cooling unit may include an atomizer for atomizing water into the flow of cooling gas to make the atomized water and the flow of cooling gas impact the medical instrument.

[0029] The apparatus may include a plasma source having an input port for supplying a humidified air flow to the plasma source and an output port for supplying the air flow to a chamber while at least partially recombining the air flow.

[0030] If necessary, the apparatus further includes a cleaning section configured to clean and / or rinse medical instruments before sterilization. A flow of cooling gas containing atomized water may be supplied to the cleaned medical instruments to dry and cool the medical instruments.

[0031] It will be understood that any of the aspects, features and options described with reference to the above method may equally be applied to the apparatus. It will also be apparent that any combination of one or more of the above aspects, features and options is possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the apparatus. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 schematically shows a flowchart. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the apparatus. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the apparatus. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0033] Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a device 1 for sterilizing medical instruments 2. The device 1 comprises a chamber 4. The chamber 4 is configured to hold the medical instruments 2 to be sterilized. In this example, the chamber 4 is configured to hold multiple medical instruments 2 to be sterilized. The device 1 comprises a sterilizing agent source 6. The sterilizing agent source 6 is configured to supply a sterilizing agent 8. The sterilizing agent 8 includes recombined and ionized humidified air. The device 1 comprises a temperature control unit 10. In this example, the temperature control unit 10 has a cooling unit 10A. The cooling unit 10A is configured to cool the medical instruments 2.

[0034] Chamber 4 has walls 12 that define an internal space 14 for receiving a medical instrument 2. In this example, Chamber 4 has a door 16 that allows the medical instrument 2 to be inserted into and removed from the internal space 14 of Chamber 4. Chamber 4 has a sterilizer supply port 18. Chamber 4 has an exhaust port 20.

[0035] In this example, the sterilizer source 6 has a plasma source 22. The plasma source 6 has an input port 24 for supplying a humidified airflow to the plasma source 6. In Figure 1, the input port 24 is connected to the airflow supply unit 26 via a humidifier 28. The plasma source 6 has an output port 30 that communicates with the sterilizer supply port 18 of the chamber 4.

[0036] The cooling unit 10A in this example has a gas conduit 32 for cooling a medical device using a gas, in this case air. The gas conduit 32 has an outlet 34, in this case a nozzle, which directs the flow of gas toward the medical device 2.

[0037] Apparatus 2 can be used as follows. Figure 2 schematically shows a flowchart of a method for sterilizing medical instruments. In the first step 102, the cooling unit 10 is activated to cool the medical instrument 2 by causing a flow of cooling gas to collide with it. In step 104, the instrument 2 to be sterilized is placed in the internal space 14 of the chamber 4. Step 104 may be performed before step 102, after step 102, or both before and after step 102. The medical instrument 2 is cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the chamber 4, in this example, to a temperature lower than the temperature of the walls 12 of the chamber 4. The temperature control unit 10 may include a heating unit 10B configured to heat or maintain the walls 12 of the chamber 4 to a temperature higher than the temperature of the medical instrument 2 or higher than the ambient temperature. In this example, in step 106, the pressure inside the chamber 4 is reduced to, for example, about 100 mbar. This may be done by activating a pump 38 connected to the pump port 40 of the chamber 4.

[0038] In step 108, an airflow is supplied to the input port 24 of the plasma source 6 via the humidifier 28. Depending on the humidity of the air supplied to the humidifier, the humidifier adds or removes water from the air so that an airflow of a predetermined humidity is obtained at the outlet of the humidifier. In this example, the airflow entering the plasma source has a predetermined specific humidity SH. The specific humidity of the air entering the plasma source 6 may be, for example, 10 ± 1 g / kg (grams of water per 1 kg of air). In step 110, the air is ionized in the plasma source 6. The ionized air is sent from the plasma source 6 to the sterilizer supply port 18 of the chamber 4. The ionized humidified air recombines at least partially during transit. In step 112, the sterilizer formed from the at least partially recombined ionized humidified air is brought into contact with the medical instrument to be sterilized. Since the medical instrument is cooled, in step 114, the sterilizer condenses at least partially on the medical instrument, sterilizing the medical instrument. Since the walls 12 of chamber 4 are not cooled, are not cooled more than the medical instruments, and are not heated, it is possible to prevent the sterilizing agent from condensing on the walls 12. After sterilization, the sterilizing agent may be removed from chamber 4 via the exhaust port 20. A destructor 42 may be positioned in communication with the exhaust port 20 to destroy contaminants carried by the exhausted sterilizing agent.

[0039] Figure 3 schematically shows an example of an apparatus 1 for sterilizing medical instruments 2. The example in Figure 3 is substantially similar to the example in Figure 1. The main difference is that the apparatus 1 in Figure 3 further includes a container 44. The container 44 is configured to hold medical instruments 2, in this example, multiple medical instruments 2. The container in this example has a tray 44A and a lid 44B. To place one or more medical instruments 2 inside the container 44, the container 44 can be opened by removing the lid 44B from the tray 44A. The container 44 is configured to be placed inside a chamber 4. The chamber 4 may include guides for holding the container 44. The apparatus 1 in this example is configured to allow the container inside the chamber 4 to be opened. In the example in Figure 3, the cooling unit 10 is configured to cool the container 44 to a temperature lower than the temperature of the chamber 4. Thus, the medical instruments 2 inside the container 44 can be easily cooled together with the container 44. Similarly, the container 44, which may be contaminated, can be easily sterilized. After sterilization, the container 44 is preferably closed while it is placed inside the chamber 4. The container is configured to be airtight, or at least to provide a microbial barrier that prevents microorganisms from entering the internal space of the container.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 3, the cooling unit 10 has a sprayer 46 configured to atomize water into a flow of cooling gas and to cause the atomized water and cooling gas flow to collide with the medical device 2 and / or container 44.

[0041] Figure 4 schematically shows an example of apparatus 1 for sterilizing medical instruments 2. The example in Figure 4 is substantially similar to the example in Figure 3. The main difference is that apparatus 1 in Figure 4 further includes a cooling chamber 46. The cooling chamber 46 is configured to hold the medical instruments 2, and in this example, is configured to hold a container 44 that holds the medical instruments 2, and cools the medical instruments 2 and, if necessary, the container 44 that holds the medical instruments 2. In this example, the medical instruments 2 in the container 44 are cooled in the cooling chamber 44 and then transferred to the chamber 4 for sterilization. Apparatus 1 may include a handler unit for transferring the medical instruments 2 and / or the container 44 from the cooling chamber 46 to the sterilization chamber 4 after cooling.

[0042] The present invention will now be described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations are possible in the present invention without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and brevity of the description, features are described herein as part of the same or distinct examples or embodiments, but alternative embodiments having all or some combinations of the features described in these distinct embodiments are also conceivable.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 1, the cooling unit is configured to cool the medical device inside the chamber. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the cooling unit may be configured to cool the medical device before it is placed inside the chamber.

[0044] In the example in Figure 3, the cooling unit includes a sprayer. It should be understood that the cooling unit in Figure 1 may also include a sprayer. Alternatively, the sprayer may be omitted from the cooling unit in Figure 3.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 4, the apparatus is equipped with a cooling chamber. It should be understood that the cooling chamber can also be used in the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0046] The chamber walls are not cooled, not cooled to a temperature lower than the medical instrument, and not heated. Heating units are described with consideration to other examples. It will be understood that the apparatus may also include a chamber cooling unit configured to cool the chamber to a temperature above the temperature of the medical instrument. It will also be evident that the apparatus may include an instrument heating unit configured to heat the medical instrument to a temperature lower than the temperature of the chamber.

[0047] The apparatus may further include a cleaning unit configured to clean and / or rinse medical instruments before sterilization. Preferably, the medical instruments are dried before sterilization. For example, a stream of cooling gas, which is atomized water, may be supplied to the cleaned medical instruments to dry and cool them.

[0048] Other modifications, variations, and alternative examples are possible. Therefore, each specification, drawing, and example should be interpreted as illustrative, not restrictive.

[0049] For clarity and concise explanation, features are described herein as part of the same or distinct embodiments, but it will be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having all or some combinations of the described features.

[0050] In the claims, no reference numerals in parentheses shall be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” in the claims shall not preclude the existence of functions or processes other than those enumerated in the claims. Furthermore, the words “a” and “an” shall not be construed as limiting to “only one,” but rather as meaning “at least one,” and shall not preclude plural. The mere fact that certain means are described in different claims shall not imply that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A method for sterilizing medical instruments, The steps include placing the medical device inside the chamber, A step of supplying a sterilizer containing recombined ionized humidified air, A step of controlling the temperature of the medical device and / or the chamber such that the temperature of the medical device is lower than the temperature of the chamber, The process includes a step of condensing the sterilizing agent on the medical instrument, at least partially. The step of supplying the sterilizing agent is, A process of providing a plasma source, In order to obtain a clearly defined specific humidity of air, the process involves humidifying the air before supplying it to the plasma source to create a humidified airflow, and supplying the humidified airflow to the input port of the plasma source. A step of at least partially ionizing the humidified airflow in the plasma source, A step of at least partially recombining the ionized humidified airflow, A step of supplying the humidified airflow, which has been at least partially recombined, from the output port of the plasma source to the sterilizer supply port of the chamber, It has, The aforementioned medical device is a reusable medical device contaminated with biological debris such as microorganisms, and the sterilization process allows the medical device to be safely used multiple times on the same patient or multiple patients. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of cooling or maintaining the medical device at a temperature lower than the temperature of the chamber.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of cooling the medical device before placing the medical device in the chamber.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising the step of cooling the medical device within the chamber.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of heating or maintaining the walls of the chamber to a temperature higher than the temperature of the medical device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of cooling or maintaining the medical instrument so that the dew point of at least one of the components of the sterilizing agent is below the dew point of the sterilizing agent.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the step of heating or maintaining the wall of the chamber to a temperature above the dew point of at least one of the components of the sterilizing agent.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the medical device is placed inside a container, and the container is placed inside a chamber.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of cooling the container to a temperature lower than the temperature of the chamber.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the step of reducing the pressure inside the chamber before supplying the sterilizing agent to the chamber.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the step of cooling the medical device with a gas or a mixture of gases.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the cooling step includes atomizing water into a flow of cooling gas, and causing the atomized water and cooling gas flow to collide with the medical device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a flow of cooling gas is supplied to the cleaned medical device in order to dry and cool the medical device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein sterilization is performed at or below ambient pressure.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising the step of cleaning the medical instrument before sterilization.

16. A device for sterilizing medical instruments, The aforementioned medical device is a reusable medical device contaminated with biological debris such as microorganisms, and the sterilization process allows the medical device to be safely used multiple times on the same patient or multiple patients. A chamber configured to hold the aforementioned medical device, A sterilizer supply source configured to supply a sterilizer containing recombined ionized humidified air to the sterilizer supply port of the chamber, A temperature control unit configured to control the temperature of the medical instrument and / or the chamber such that the temperature of the medical instrument is lower than the temperature of the chamber, in order to allow the sterilizing agent to condense at least partially on the medical instrument, A humidifier configured to add water to air or remove water from air to obtain a humidified airflow having a predetermined specific humidity at its outlet, Equipped with a plasma source, The plasma source has an input port for supplying a humidified airflow to the plasma source via the humidifier, at least partially recombining the humidified airflow, and supplying the at least partially recombined humidified airflow to the chamber from an output port. Device.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the temperature control unit has a cooling unit configured to cool or maintain the medical device so that the temperature of the chamber is below the temperature of the chamber.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the cooling unit is configured to cool the medical instrument before placing the medical instrument in the chamber.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the cooling unit is configured to cool the medical device within the chamber.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the temperature control unit has a heating unit configured to heat the walls of the chamber to a temperature exceeding the temperature of the medical device.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising a container configured to receive the medical instrument and to be placed within the chamber.

22. The temperature control unit has a cooling unit configured to cool or maintain the medical device at a temperature lower than the temperature of the chamber. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the cooling unit is configured to cool the container to a temperature below the temperature of the chamber.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 22, further comprising a pump configured to reduce the pressure inside the chamber before supplying the sterilizing agent to the chamber.

24. The temperature control unit has a cooling unit configured to cool or maintain the medical device at a temperature lower than the temperature of the chamber. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the cooling unit has a gas conduit configured to cool a medical device using a gas.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the cooling unit may have a sprayer for atomizing water into a flow of cooling gas and for causing the atomized water and cooling gas flow to collide with the medical device.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein a flow of the cooling gas containing the atomized water is supplied to the cleaned medical device in order to cool the medical device.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 26, further comprising a plasma source having an input port for supplying a humidified airflow to the plasma source and an output port for supplying the airflow to the chamber while at least partially recombining it.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 27, further comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean and / or rinse the medical instruments before sterilization.

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